STUDIES IN DOCTRINE
SENIOR DIVISION, Na. 237 THIRD QUARTER. 1954
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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
STUDIES IN DOCTRINE
Lesson 1, for July 3, 1954
Sound Doctrine
MEMORY VERSE:
"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine."
Titus 2:1.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," pages 518-550; "Gospel Workers," pages
311-315; W. B. Ochs, "Living Faith," chapter 1.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Key Thought; Questions 1-3; Mem-
ory Verse.
3.
Questions 4-6; read "Living Faith,"
chapter 1.
4.
Read "The Great Controversy"
as-
signment.
5.
Questions 7-10.
6.
Questions 11-14; Illustration; read
"Gospel Workers" assignment.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Importance of Sound Doctrine
1. It
is needed. 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 13;
4:3, 4.
2. There are false doctrines. Jer. 10:8;
1 Tim. 1:4, 9, 10.
3. It is important. 1 Tim. 4:6, 13, 16.
II. Necessity of Knowing the Doctrine
1.
A sound understanding. Isa. 28:9,
10.
2.
A willing mind. John 7:17.
3.
A perception and avoidance of false
teachers. Rom. 16:17.
III. Tests of Sound Doctrine
1. It is based on the Bible. 2 Tim. 3:
15, 16.
2. It does not misuse the Scriptures.
2 Peter 3:16; Matt. 4:6.
3. It magnifies and honors Christ. 1
John 2:22, 23; 2 John 7, 9.
4. It upholds the whole of Scripture.
Isa. 8:20.
IV. Contrasting Attitudes Toward
Sound Doctrine
•
1.
It may be opposed. 2 Tim. 4:3.
2.
It may be rejected. 2 Thess. 2:3-7.
3.
It may be obeyed. Rom. 6:17.
4.
It must be adhered to continually.
Acts 2:42.
Key Thought:
The word
doctrine
means, "That which is
taught; a principle, or body of principles,
in any branch of knowledge; . . . principle
of faith."-Webster,
New Collegiate Dic-
tionary.
A doctrine may be based on truth
or falsehood. Hence there are true or sound
doctrines, and untrue or false doctrines. In
order that the child of God be not led away
by false doctrines, he must have an adequate
understanding of true doctrines. As re-
lated to salvation, all true and sound doc-
trines are based on the Bible. To be effec-
tive, sound doctrine must be understood and
obeyed.
[3
1
THE LESSON
The Importance of Sound Doctrine
1.
What condition in the last days
emphasizes the need of sound doc-
trine? 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 13; 4:1-4.
NorE.—The following comment is made
regarding 2 Timothy 4:3, 4: "The apostle
does not here refer to the openly irreligious,
but to the professing Christians who make
inclination their guide, and thus become en-
slaved by self. Such are willing to listen to
those doctrines only that do not rebuke their
sins or condemn their pleasure-loving
course. They are offended by the plain
words of the faithful servants of Christ,
and choose teachers who praise and flatter
them."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
504, 505.
2.
In contrast to sound doctrine,
what other kinds of doctrines are
there? Jer. 10:8; 1 Tim. 1:4, 9, 10;
6:3-5.
NOTE.—These doctrines of vanity are
called by various names in the Bible:
"The doctrine of the Pharisees and of the
Sadducees." Matt. 16:11, 12.
"Doctrines of men." Col. 2:22; Eph. 4:14.
"Doctrines of devils." 1 Tim. 4:1.
"Divers and strange doctrines." Heb.
13:9.
"Doctrine of Balaam," "doctrine of the
Nicolaitanes." Rev. 2:14, 15.
"Those who are unwilling to accept the
plain, cutting truths of the Bible, are con-
tinually seeking for pleasing fables that will
quiet the conscience. The less spiritual, self-
denying, and humiliating the doctrines pre-
sented, the greater the favor with which
they are received. . . . Too wise in their
own conceit to search the Scriptures with
contrition of soul and earnest prayer for
divine guidance, they have no shield from
delusion."—The
Great Controversy,
page
523.
3.
In what words did the apostle
Paul set forth the importance of sound
doctrine? 1 Tim. 4:6, 13, 16; Titus
1:9; 2:1, 7, 10.
NorE.—"All manner of false doctrines,
heresies, and satanic deceptions are mislead-
ing the minds of
men."—Testimonies, vol.
5,
p. 158.
Necessity of Knowing the Doctrine
4.
How are the doctrines of the Bi-
ble to be learned? Isa. 28:9, 10; 2 Tim.
2:15.
5.
Before one can know the doc-
trine, what must he be willing to do?
John 7:17.
NorE.—Commenting on this text, the
servant of the Lord says: "When we are
truly seeking to do God's will, the Holy
Spirit takes the precepts of His word and
makes them the principles of the life, writ-
ing them on the tablets of the soul. And it
is only those who are following the light
already given that can hope to receive the
further illumination of the Spirit. This is
plainly stated in the words of Christ: 'If
any man will
do
His will, he shall know of
the doctrine.'
"—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 705.
"Whoever will prayerfully study the Bi-
ble, desiring to know the truth, that he
may obey it, will receive divine enlighten-
ment. He will understand the Scriptures."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 459.
6.
Against what will a knowledge
of sound doctrines be a safeguard?
Rom. 16:17.
NorE.—"The times [of the apostles] were
full of peril for the church. Satanic delu-
sions existed everywhere. By misrepresenta-
tion and falsehood the emissaries of Satan
sought to arouse opposition against the doc-
trines of Christ; and in consequence dissen-
[ 4 ]
THE BIBLE IS LIKE A MAP WHERE WE CAN
„,,,,,CHECK OUR POSITION ON DOCTRINES.
sions and heresies were imperiling the
church. . . . John was filled with sadness as
he saw these poisonous errors creeping into
the church. He saw the dangers to which
the church was exposed, and he met the
emergency with promptness and decision."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 553, 554.
Tests of Sound Doctrine
7.
Upon what knowledge is Chris-
tian doctrine based? 2 Tim. 3:15, 16.
NOTE.—The Bible is the test of all doc-
trine. Whatever does not harmonize and
square with this, is not to be received.
"There is but one standard of the everlast-
ingly right and the everlastingly wrong, and
that is the Bible."—Thomas de Witt Tal-
madge, quoted in
Bible Readings for the
Home,
1949 subscription ed., p. 125.
Speaking of Luther's separation from
Rome, the messenger of God wrote: "He
firmly declared that Christians should re-
ceive no other doctrines than those which
rest on the authority of the Sacred Scrip-
tures."—The
Great Controversy,
page 126.
8.
Against what misuse of the Scrip-
tures must we be constantly on guard?
2 Peter 3:16; Matt. 4:6.
NoTE.—"In order to sustain erroneous
doctrines or unchristian practices, some will
seize upon passages of Scripture separated
from the context, perhaps quoting half of a
single verse as proving their point, when
the remaining portion would show the
meaning to be quite the opposite. With the
cunning of the serpent, they entrench them-
selves behind disconnected utterances con-
strued to suit their carnal desires. Thus do
many willfully pervert the word of God.
Others, who have an active imagination,
seize upon the figures and symbols of Holy
Writ, interpret them to suit their fancy,
with little regard to the testimony of Scrip-
ture as its own interpreter, and then they
present their vagaries as the teachings of
the Bible."—The
Great Controversy,
page
521.
9.
To what other test should doc-
trines be submitted? 1 John 2:22, 23;
2 John 7, 9. Compare Luke 24:25-27.
NOTE.—"Every true doctrine makes Christ
the center, every precept receives force from
His
words."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 54.
"Another dangerous error is the doctrine
that denies the deity of Christ, claiming that
He had no existence before His advent to
this world. This theory is received with
favor by a large class who profess to be-
lieve the Bible; yet it directly contradicts
the plainest statements of our Saviour con-
cerning His relationship with the Father,
His divine character, and His pre-existence."
—The Great Controversy,
page 524.
10.
By what final standard should
all doctrine be judged? Isa. 8:20.
NOTE.—"All points of doctrine, even
though they have been accepted as truth,
should be brought to the law and to the
testimony; if they cannot stand this test,
`there is no light in them.'
"—Testimonies,
vol.
5, p. 575.
Contrasting Attitudes'Toward
Sound Doctrine
11.
In what ways does opposition
to sound doctrine manifest itself? 2
Tim. 4:3; Acts 5:28; Jer. 6:16; Ezek.
33:31.
[ 5 ]
NoTE.—Some prefer smooth things to
sound doctrine; some oppose Christian doc-
trine by persecution; some refuse to walk
in the old paths; some hear but will not
obey.
12.
After the death of the apostles,
what far-reaching results did the re-
jection of sound doctrine bring about?
2 Thess. 2:3-7.
NOTE.—The great apostasy, the substi-
tution of the doctrines of men for the
doctrine of Christ, was the result of disobedi-
ence to the teaching of the word of God.
We read: "The truths of the Bible have
again become obscured by custom, tradi-
tion, and false doctrine. The erroneous
teachings of popular theology have made
thousands upon thousands of skeptics and
infidels. There are errors and inconsisten-
cies which many denounce as the teaching
of the Bible that are really false interpreta-
tions of Scripture, adopted during the ages
of papal
darkness."—Testimonies,
vol. 5,
p. 710.
13.
What has been the attitude of
God's children to His Will as re-
vealed in the doctrines of the Bible?
Rom. 6:17. Compare Acts 26:19.
NoTE.—"God has commanded nothing
that is unessential, and there is no other
way of manifesting reverence so pleasing to
Him as obedience to that which He has
spoken."—Education,
page 244.
14.
Aside from the acceptance of
sound doctrine, what else is essential?
Acts 2:42; 1 Tim. 4:16. Compare Heb.
10:23, 35.
Illustration:
A colporteur tried to sell a man a copy
of the Bible. The man said: "No, sir. I
buy only useful things. What's that book
good for, anyway ?"
The colporteur asked: "What is a sign-
post good for?"
The man answered: "To tell the way
one is going."
"Quite true," said the colporteur. "That's
what the Bible is good for; it tells us the
way to heaven."
The man bought the Bible, became con-
verted, and then told others about the way
to heaven. The Bible is our guide in living,
in doctrine. Moreover, as we accept the
doctrines as taught in is word and obey
them, we become living signposts. Our
lives reveal the way to heaven.
Lesson 2, for July 10, 1954
Christ, the Son of God
MEMORY VERSE:
"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Matt.
16:16.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 19-49; "The Great Controversy," pages
666-669; W. B. Ochs, "Living Faith," chapter 2.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Key Thought; Questions
1-4;
Mem-
ory Verse.
3.
Questions 5-7; read "Living Faith,"
chapter 2.
4.
Questions
8-10;
read "The Great
Controversy" assignment.
5.
Questions 11-16; Illustration.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages" assign-
ment.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
[6
1
Lesson Outline:
I. His Sonship Proclaimed
1.
By an angel. Luke 1:35.
2.
By the Father. Matt. 3:17.
3.
By Christ Himself. John 10:36.
4.
By Peter. Matt. 16:14-16.
II. Evidence of His Divine Sonship
1.
His pre-existence. Micah 5:2.
2.
His eternity. John 17:5.
3.
His unity with the Father. John
10:30.
4.
His fullness. Col. 2:9.
5.. His creative power. Col. 1:16, 17.
6. His redemptive power. Luke 2:11;
Matt. 1:21.
III. The Son of God Becomes the Son
of Man
1.
The promise of Immanuel. Isa. 7:
14. Compare Matt. 1:23.
2.
The time of the incarnation. Gal.
4:4, 5.
3.
The Son of man. Matt. 18:11;
John 3:14.
4.
The assumption of human nature.
Phil. 2:6-8.
5.
The purpose of the incarnation.
Heb. 2:14-18.
6.
The universal praise. Phil. 2:9-11;
Rev. 5:13.
Key Thought:
" 'Immanuel, . . . God with us.' 'The
light of the knowledge of the glory of God'
is seen 'in the face of Jesus Christ.' From
the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ
was one with the Father; He was 'the image
of God,' the image of His greatness and
majesty, 'the outshining of His glory.' It
was to manifest this glory that He came to
our world. To this sin-darkened earth He
came to reveal the light of God's love,-to
be 'God with us' Therefore it was prophe-
sied of Him, 'His name shall be called Im-
manuel.'
"-The Desire of Ages,
page 19.
THE LESSON
His Sonship Proclaimed
1.
In the angel's announcement to
Mary, what did he say her child
should be called? Luke 1:35.
2.
What testimony did the Father
give at the time of the baptism of the
Saviour? Matt. 3:17.
NOTE.
-"These
words of confirmation
were given to inspire faith in those who
witnessed the scene, and to strengthen the
Saviour for His mission. Notwithstanding
that the sins of a guilty world were laid
upon Christ, notwithstanding the humilia-
tion of taking upon Himself our fallen na-
ture, the voice from heaven declared Him
to be the Son of the Eternal."-The
Desire
of Ages,
page 112.
3.
What did Jesus claim concern-
ing His divine sonship? John 10:36.
NOTE.-"Christ came to . . . reveal our
heavenly Father to sinful human beings.
. . . He shared the lot of men, and yet He
was the blameless Son of
God."-Testimo-
nies,
vol. 8, p. 286.
4.
In what words did Peter express
the disciples' conviction concerning
the deity of Christ? Matt. 16:14-16.
Evidence of His Divine Sonship
5.
What does the Bible teach con-
cerning the pre-existence of Christ?
Micah 5:2; 1 Cor. 10:4.
NoTE.-"When He came 'in the likeness
of men,' He declared Himself the I AM.
The Child of Bethlehem, the meek and
lowly Saviour, is God 'manifest in the
flesh.' 1 Tim. 3:16. . . . 'God with us' is
the surety of our deliverance from sin, the
assurance of our power to obey the law of
heaven."-The
Desire of Ages,
pages 24, 25.
[7
1
6.
What words in the prayer of
Christ reveal the eternity of His be-
ing? John 17:5.
NOTE.—"There are light and glory in the
truth that Christ was One with the Father
before the foundation of the world was
laid. This is the light shining in a dark
place, making it resplendent with divine,
original glory. This truth, infinitely myste-
rious in itself, explains other mysterious and
otherwise unexplainable truthi, while it is
enshrined in light, unapproachable
.
and in-
comprehensible."—Ellen G. White,
in Re-
view and Herald,
April 5, 1906.
7.
In what words did Christ ex-
press His unity with the Father? John
10:30. Compare John 14:7-10.
NOTE.—In the creation of man there is a
very definite relationship between Christ
the Son, and His coexistence with God the
Father. The Father said: "Let Us make
man in Our image, after Our likeness." Gen.
1:26. The words us and
our
are very
significant—indicating coexistence, co-opera-
tion, co-workers together in a grand pur-
pose of creating man "in Our image." The
first chapter in the Bible reveals the deity
of the Son and His place as a Person of
the Godhead.
8.
What was Paul inspired to write
concerning the divinity of Christ? Col.
2:9.
NOTE.—"The fullness of the Godhead." It
is good to know that the Christ whom we
serve, who took upon Himself our flesh
and blood, is also divine. "Behold, then,
the wonderful conjunction of both natures
in the one Immanuel, who was by His very
constitution an actual temple, 'God with
us,' the habitation of the Deity—returned
and resettling itself with men; and fitted
to be what it must also be, a most accept-
able sacrifice. For here was met together
man that could die, and God that could
overcome death."—Howe,
Living Temple,
part 2, quoted in
Life in Christ,
by Edward
White, page 238.
9.
In what act were the divine Fa-
ther and Son associated? Col. 1:13-17;
Heb. 1:1, 2.
10.
What announcements regarding
the birth of Jesus give evidence that
He is the divine Son of God? Luke
2:11; Matt. 1:21.
NOTE.—"Jesus died, not to save man
in
his sins, but
from
his sins. Man is to leave
the error of his ways, to follow the example
of Christ, to take up his cross and follow
Him, denying self, and obeying God at any
cost."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 251.
The Son of God Becomes
the Son of Man
11.
What prophecy foretold the in-
carnation of the Son of God in hu-
man flesh? Isa. 7:14. Compare Matt.
1:23.
NOTE.—" 'His name shall be called Im-
manuel, . . . God with us: `The light of
the knowledge of the glory of God' is seen
'in the face of Jesus Christ.' From the days
[ 8]
of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one
with the Father; He was 'the image of God,'
the image- of His greatness and majesty,
`the outshining of His glory.' It was to
manifest this glory that He came to our
world. To this sin-darkened earth He came
to reveal the light of God's love,—to be
'God with us.' Therefore it was prophesied
of Him, 'His name shall be called Im-
manuel"
'—The Desire of Ages,
page 19.
12.
When and how was this proph-
ecy fulfilled, and for what purpose?
Gal. 4:4, 5.
NorE.—" 'When the fullness of the time
was come, God sent forth His Son.' Provi-
dence had directed the movements of na-
tions, and the tide of human impulse and
influence, until the world was ripe for the
coming of the Deliverer. . . . In 'the re-
gion and shadow of death,' men sat unsol-
aced. With longing eyes they looked for
the coming of the Deliverer."—The
Desire
of Ages,
pages 32, 33.
13.
By what name did Jesus often
refer to Himself? Matt. 18:11; John
3:14.
14.
What testimony does the apos-
tle Paul bear concerning the human-
ity of Jesus? Phil. 2:6-8. Compare
Rom. 1:3.
NOTE.—"The King of glory stooped low
to take humanity. Rude and forbidding
were His earthly surroundings. His glory
was veiled, that the majesty of His outward
form might not become an object of attrac-
tion. He shunned all outward display."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 43.
"But Jesus accepted humanity when the
race had been weakened by four thousand
years of sin. Like every child of Adam He
accepted the results of the working of the
great law of heredity. . . . Yet into the
world where Satan claimed dominion God
permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe,
subject to the weakness of humanity. He
permitted Him to meet life's peril in com-
mon with every human soul, to fight the
battle as every child of humanity must
fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal
loss."—Ibid.,
p. 49.
15.
What was made possible
through Christ's life in human flesh?
Heb. 2:14-18.
NOTE.—Through the life of Christ in hu-
man flesh, His death and subsequent resur-
rection, reconciliation between man and
God was brought about. Christ died in
order that He might abolish death. Rev.
1:18. The resurrection of Jesus made pos-
sible the resurrection of the dead. 1 Cor.
15:12-16.
"In taking our nature, the Saviour has
bound Himself to humanity by a tie that
is never to be broken. Through the eternal
ages He is linked with us. 'God so loved
the world, that He gave His only-begotten
Son.' John 3:16. He gave Him not only
to bear our sins, and to die as our sacri-
fice; He gave Him to the fallen race. To
assure us of His immutable counsel of
peace, God gave His only-begotten Son to
become one of the human family, forever
to retain His human nature."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 25.
16.
Eventually what will the whole
human race acknowledge? Phil. 2:
9-11; Rev. 5:13.
NOTE.—We are told that the final coro-
nation of Christ will take place after the
resurrection of the wicked, after the City
of God has descended from heaven. In a
panoramic view the lost will see "the scenes
of Adam's temptation and fall, and the
successive steps in the great plan of re-
demption. . . . As if entranced, the wicked
have looked upon the coronation of the
Son of God. They see in His hands the
tables of the divine law, the statutes which
they have despised and transgressed. They
witness the outburst of wonder, rapture,
and adoration from the saved; and as the
wave of melody sweeps over the multitudes
without the city, all with one voice exclaim,
'Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord
God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways,
[
9
1
Thou King of saints' (Rev. 15:3) ; and
falling prostrate, they worship the Prince
of life."-The
Great Controversy,
pages
666-669.
Illustration:
When the saintly Scottish preacher, Mr.
Rutherford, was imprisoned for his religious
opinions, he carried with him a remarkable
consciousness of Christ's presence. Even
some
-
of his bitterest jailers felt that. God
was with him. His own comment was: "I
thought of Jesus until every stone in the
walls of my cell shone like a ruby."
If we were as conscious of God with us
today, our everyday life would be tinged
with glory.
Lesson 3, for July 17, 1954
Christ Our Salvation
MEMORY VERSE:
"For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11.
STUDY HELPS:
"Steps to Christ" pages 16-18; "Living Faith," chapter 3.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Key Words; Questions 1-3; Memory
Verse.
3.
Questions 4, 5; "Steps to Christ" as-
signment.
4.
Questions 6-8.
5.
Questions 9-12.
6.
Questions 13, 14; Illustration; "Liv-
ing Faith," chapter 3.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. Concerning Our Salvation
1.
Its nature. 1 Peter 1:18,
19.
2.
Its magnitude. Heb. 2:2, 3.
3.
Its inestimable value. Matt. 16:26.
II. All Heaven Interested in Our
Welfare
1.
God. Ezek. 33:11; John 3:16.
2.
Jesus. Gal. 1:4.
3.
Holy Spirit. Rom. 8:26.
4.
Angels. Heb. 1:14.
III. The Need of Salvation
1.
All men need salvation. Rom. 3:23;
5:12; Jer. 17:9.
2.
All men are helpless to save them-
selves. Jer. 13:23.
IV. Salvation Provided
1. Through Christ alone. Matt. 1:21;
Acts 4:12.
2.
Through His creatorship. Isa. 43:1;
Eph. 2:10.
3.
Through His divinity, humanity,
and sinlessness. Heb. 1:8 ; Matt.
1:23; 1 Peter 2:22.
4.
Through His intercession, deliver-
ance, and blotting out of sins. Heb.
7:25; John 8:36; Isa. 1:18.
V. Personal Salvation
1.
Individual acceptance. Rev. 3:20.
2.
Individual rejection. Jer. 8:20; Rev.
6:14-17.
Key Words:
1. Jesus.
The name
Jesus
was given to
the Lord by command of God, who made
known His will to Joseph in this matter
through an angel. Matt. 1:21. The reason
for this choice was also stated: "For He
shall save His people from their sins." This
is precisely what the name
Jesus
means. It
comes to us from the Hebrew through the
[ 10 ]
Greek. The Hebrew equivalent is
Joshua.
This Hebrew name is a compound one
based on the verb,
to save, to deliver, to set
free,
and a shortened form of the name
Je-
hovah
in the Hebrew. The meaning of this
Hebrew name is
Jehovah shall save,
or,
the
salvation of Jehovah.
Joshua's name, originally, was Hoshea,
meaning
salvation, deliverance.
It was af-
terward changed to Jehoshua, or Joshua.
Isaiah
is another form of writing the same
compound name, meaning in that case the
salvation of Jehovah.
2. Salvation.
"Salvation is a free gift,
and yet it is to be bought and sold. . . .
The poorest are as well able as the richest
to purchase salvation ; for no amount of
worldly wealth can secure it. It is obtained
by willing obedience, by giving ourselves to
Christ as His own purchased possession."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 116, 117.
THE LESSON
Concerning Our Salvation
1.
Although salvation is a free gift,
what did it cost the Son of God? 1 Pe-
ter 1:18, 19; 1 Cor. 6:20. Compare
Isa. 55:1.
2.
What will be the consequences
"if we neglect so great salvation"?
Heb. 10:28, 29; 2:2, 3.
NOTE.—"Because sinners will not accept
of the salvation freely offered them, are
they released from their obligations? Their
choosing to remain in sin and bold trans-
gression does not lessen their guilt.. Jesus
paid a price for them, and they belong to
Him. They are His property; and if they
will not yield obedience to Him who has
given His life for them, but devote their
time and strength and talents to the service
of Satan, they are earning their wages,
which is
death."—Testimonies,
vol. 3, p.
365.
3.
How does the worth of salva-
tion compare with the riches of the
world? Matt. 16:26.
NOTE.—"In view of the glorious inherit-
ance that may be his, 'what shall a man
give in exchange for his soul?' Matt. 16:26.
He may be poor, yet he possesses in him-
self a wealth and dignity that the world
could never bestow."—Steps
to. Christ,
page
132.
All Heaven Interested in
Our Welfare
4.
What is God's desire for the hu-
man family? Ezek. 33:11; 1 Tim. 2:3,
4; 2 Peter 3:9.
5.
To what extent is heaven inter-
ested in our salvation? John 3:16;
Gal. 1:4; Rom. 8:26; Heb. 1:14.
NOTE.—"I saw that all heaven is inter-
ested in our salvation; and shall we be in-
different? Shall we be careless, as though
it were a small matter whether we are
saved or lost? Shall we slight the sacrifice
that has been made for us? . . . God's
Spirit will not always be grieved. It will
depart if grieved• a little longer. After all
has been done that God 'could do to save
men, if they show by their lives that they
slight Jesus' offered mercy, death will be
their portion, and it will be dearly
pur-
chased."—Testimonies,
vol. 1, p. 124.
The Need of Salvation
6.
Why does man need salvation?
Rom. 3:23; 5:12; Ps. 38:4.
7.
What is the true condition of
the natural heart? Jer. 17:9. .
NoTE.—"Men do not know their own
hearts; for 'the heart is deceitful above all
things, and desperately wicked.' Jer. 17:9.
But God understands the tendencies of the
depraved nature of man. . . . The adver-
sary of souls is ever on the alert to open
channels for the unrestrained flow of evil
in us; for he desires that we may be ruined,
and be condemned before
God."—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
page 688.
8.
By what illustration does the
prophet Jeremiah teach man's inabil-
ity to save himself? Jer. 13:23.
NOTE.—"If you see your sinfulness, do
not wait to make yourself better. How
many there are who think they are not
good enough to come to Christ. Do you
expect to become better through your own
efforts? 'Can the Ethiopian change his
skin, or the leopard his spots? then may
ye also do good, that are accustomed to do
evil.' Jer. 13:23. There is help for us only
in God. We must not wait for stronger
persuasions, for better opportunities, or for
holier tempers. We can do nothing of our-
selves. We must come to Christ just as we
are."—Steps to Christ,
pages 35, 36.
Salvation Provided
9.
How and through whom alone
has salvation been made possible?
Matt. 1:21; Acts 4:12.
NoTE.—"None but the Son of God could
accomplish our redemption; for only He
who was in the bosom of the Father could
declare Him. Only He who knew the height
and depth of the love of God could make
it manifest. Nothing less than the infinite
sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen
man could express the Father's love to lost
humanity."—Steps
to Christ,
page 16.
"The price of heaven is Jesus. The way
to heaven is through faith in 'the Lamb of
God, which taketh away the sin of the
world.' John
1:29."—The Desire of Ages,
page 385.
"Salvation is a substitutionary thing. It
CHRIST'S DEATH ONTHE
CROSS IS THE
ONLY KEY TO THE
DOOR OF
SALVATION,
is won for sinful men by Another becoming
their substitute. In the substitutionary death
of Christ on the cross He died for the sins
of the world."—Charles G. Trumbull,
What
Is the Gospel?
pages 37, 38.
10.
With what is the power of re-
demption associated? Isa. 43: 1; Eph.
2:10.
NoTE.—Only He who created man has
power to redeem him. His creative power
and His'power to save are linked together
in many scriptures. It is the creative power
which transforms the life and makes a new
creature out of it. That is what Paul meant
when he said: "Therefore if any man be in
Christ, he is a new creature" (or creation).
2 Cor. 5:17.
11.
What three essentials for salva-
tion are found in Christ? Heb. 1:8;
Matt. 1:23; 1 Peter 2:22-24.
NOTE.—This world has produced many
great men, men of power and influence; but
in Christ, and only in Him, do we find the
essentials that make a Saviour. These are
His divinity, His humanity, and His sinless
life.
[12
]
12.
What assurance do we have of
full and complete salvation? Heb.
7:25; John 8:36; Isa. 1:18.
NOTE.—God, who wants man restored
in His image, freely offers him full salva-
tion. He promises to save to the uttermost
—that means completely. "If you give
yourself to Him, and accept Him as your
Savieur, then, sinful as your life may have
been, for His sake you are accounted right-
eous. Christ's character stands in place of
your character, and you are accepted before
God just as if you had not
sinned."—Steps
to Christ,
page 67.
"The chain that has been let down from
the throne of God is long enough to reach
to the lowest depths. Christ is able to lift
the most sinful out of the pit of degrada-
tion, and to place them where they will be
acknowledged as children of God, heirs
with Christ to an immortal inheritance."—
Testimonies', vol.
7, p. 229.
Personal Salvation
13.
Although salvation is a free
gift from God, what must we do to
be saved? Rev. 3:20; 22:17; Ezek.
14:20.
14.
What sad words will be ut-
tered by those who have rejected sal-
vation? Jer. 8:20; Rev. 6:1417.
NOTE.—"At the day of judgment there
comes to the lost a full realization of the
meaning of the sacrifice made on Calvary.
They see what they have lost by refusing
to be loyal. They think of the high, pure
association it was their privilege •to gain.
But it is too late. The last call has been
made. The wail is heard: 'The harvest is
past, the summer is ended, and we are not
saved.' Jer. 8:
20."—Testimonies, vol.
7,
p. 16.
Illustration:
A Calcutta paper stated that a young
Brahman came to the house of a missionary
for an interview. In the course of their
conversation the Brahman said: "Many
things which Christianity contains I find in
Hinduism; but there is one thing which
Christianity has and Hinduism has not."
The missionary asked: "What is that?"
The reply of the Brahman was: "A Sav-
iour." Thank God for a Saviour!
Lesson 4, for July 24, 1954
Christ Our Righteousness
MEMORY VERSE: "And
this is His name whereby He shall be called,
THE LORD OUR
RIGHTEOUSNESS." Jer. 23:6.
STUDY HELPS:
"Steps to Christ,"
pages
64-70;
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages
313-318
;
"Living Faith,"
chapter 4.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Key Word; Questions 1-3; Memory
Verse.
3.
Questions 4-6; "Steps to Christ" as-
signment.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Read remaining Study Helps.
Questions 7-11.
Questions 12-14; Illustration.
Review the entire lesson.
[13
]
Lesson Outline:
I.
A Timely Message
1.
Man has no righteousness. Rom. 3:
10; Prov. 21:21.
2.
Christ is called "Our Righteousness."
Jer. 23:6.
3.
Christ was "made unto us . . .
righteousness." 1 Cor. 1:30.
II. Innocence Lost
1.
Man's disobedience. Gen. 3:1-10.
2.
Man's sin. Isa. 59:1.
3.
Man's consequent condition. Isa.
64:6.
III. The Way to Righteousness
1.
Our own strength unavailing. John
15:5; Jer. 13:23.
2.
Our own works worthless. Eph. 2:9;
Rom. 9:31, 32.
3.
Our living faith in Christ avails.
Gal. 2:16; Rom. 5:1.
4.
Our overcoming the world by faith
gives victory. 1 John 5:4.
5.
Our walking "after the Spirit"
brings justification. Rom. 8:1.
IV. Christ's Righteousness Fits Us
for Translation
1.
It brings us into harmony with
God's law. Ps. 119:142; Rom. 8:4.
2.
It enables us to attain perfection.
Matt. 5:48; 1 John 3:2.
3.
It gives purity of heart in God's
sight. Ps. 24:3, 4; Matt. 5:8.
Key Word:
Righteousness.
"The righteousness of
Christ consists in right actions and good
works from pure, unselfish motives. Out-
side righteousness, while the inward adorn-
ing is wanting, will be of no
avail."-Testi-
monies,
vol. 3, p. 528.
"By the wedding garment in the parable
is represented the pure, spotless character
which Christ's true followers will possess.
To the church it is given 'that she should
be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white,'
`not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such
thing.' The fine linen, says the Scripture,
`is the righteousness of saints.' Rev. 19:8;
Eph. 5:27. It is the righteousness of Christ,
His own unblemished character, that
through faith is imparted to all who receive
Him as their personal
Saviour."-Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 310.
THE LESSON
A Timely Message
1. Why is the message of Christ
our Righteousness so important now?
Rom. 3:10; Isa. 64:6; Prov. 21:21.
NOTE.-"The
people must be instructed
that Christ is unto them salvation and
righteousness. It is Satan's studied purpose
to keep souls from believing in Christ as
their only hope; for the blood of Christ
that cleanseth from all sin is efficacious in
behalf of those only who believe in its merit,
and who present it before the Father as did
Abel in his
offering."-Gospel Workers,
page 162.
"The message of. Christ's righteousness is
to sound from one end of the earth to the
other to prepare the way of the Lord. This
is the glory of God, which closes the work
of the third
angel."-Testimonies,
vol. 6,
p. 19.
2.
What name is given to the Lord
by the prophet Jeremiah? Jer. 23:6.
3.
What four things has Christ
been made for us? 1 Cor. 1:30.
NorE.-"The righteousness of Christ, as a
pure, white pearl, has no defect, no stain.
No work of man can improve the great
and precious gift of God. It is without a
flaw. In Christ are 'hid all the treasures of
wisdom and knowledge.' He is 'made unto
us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctifi-
cation, and redemption.' Col. 2:3; 1 Cor.
1:30. All that can satisfy the needs and
[ 14 ]
longings of the human soul, for this world
and for the world to come, is found in
Christ."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page
115.
Innocence Lost
4.
What caused our first parents to
lose their original innocence? Gen.
3:1-10. Compare Rev. 3:5.
NoTE.—"The white robe of innocence
was worn by our first parents when they
were placed by God in holy Eden. They
lived in perfect conformity to the will of
God. All the strength of their affections
was given to their heavenly Father. A beau-
tiful soft light, the light of God, en-
shrouded the holy pair. This robe of light
was a symbol of their spiritual garments of
heavenly innocence. Had they remained
true to God, it would ever have continued
to enshroud them. But when sin entered,
they severed their connection with God,
and the light that had encircled them de-
parted. Naked and ashamed, they tried to
supply the place of the heavenly garments
by sewing together fig leaves for a cover-
ing."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 310,
311.
5.
What is the cause of our separa-
tion from God? Isa. 59:1, 2; Prov.
28:9; 1 John 3:4.
6.
With what does the prophet Isa-
iah compare our own righteousness?
Isa. 64:6. Compare Zech. 3:1-4.
The Way to Righteousness
7.
Why is it impossible for man in
his own strength to obtain righteous-
ness? John 15:5; Jer. 13:23.
NoTE.—If
man could become righteous
through his own strength, then the death of
Jesus was not necessary. "It was possible
for Adam, before the Fall, to form a right-
eous character by obedience to God's law.
But he failed to do this, and because of his
sin our natures are fallen, and we cannot
make ourselves righteous. Since we are
sinful, unholy, we cannot perfectly obey a
holy law. We have no righteousness of our
own with which to meet the claims of the
law of
God."—Steps to Christ,
page 67.
8.
What does God's word teach
concerning the effort to obtain right-
eousness through our own works or
the works of the law? Eph. 2:9; Gal.
2:16; Rom. 9:31, 32.
NoTE.—"Not the labors of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou
alone."—Augustus M. Top-
lady.
9.
How alone can we hope to ob-
tain righteousness? Gal. 2:16; Rom.
5:1. Compare James 2:17-19.
NcrrE.—"If we are faithful in doing-our
part, in co-operating with Him, God will
work through us the good pleasure of His
will. But God cannot work through us if
we make no effort. If we gain eternal life,
we must work, and work earnestly. . . .
Let us not•be deceived by the oft-repeated
assertion, 'All you have to do is to believe?
Faith and works are two oars which we
must use equally if we press our way up
the stream against the current of unbelief.
`Faith, if it bath not works, is dead, being
alone.' The Christian is a man of thought
and practice."—Ellen G. White, in
Review
and Herald,
June 11, 1901.
10.
Before one can be said to be
clothed with the righteousness of
Christ, over how much must he ob-
tain victory? 1 John 5:4.
NoTE.—He must have victory over every
known sin. Since man lost the robe of
[ 15 ]
"CHRIST'S CHARACTER STANDS
IN PLACE OF YOUR CHARACTER."
righteousness through sin, it is logical to
believe that the robe of righteousness is re-
gained by forsaking sin and by accepting
the One who has been made unto us right-
eousness; for, "while God can be just, and
yet justify the sinner through the merits of
Christ, no man can cover his soul with the
garments of Christ's righteousness while
practicing known sins, or neglecting known
duties. God requires the entire surrender
of the heart, before justification can take
place; and in order for man to retain justi-
fication, there must be continual obedience,
through active, living faith that works by
love and purifies the soul."—Ellen G. White,
in
Review and Herald,
Nov. 4, 1890.
11. How does Heaven look upon
the one who is clothed with the right-
eousness of Christ? Rom. 8:1.
NOTE.—"Christ has made a way of es-
cape for us. He lived on earth amid trials
and temptations such as we have to meet.
He lived a sinless life. He died for us, and
now He offers to take our sins and give us
His righteousness. If you give yourself to
Him, and accept Him as your Saviour,
then, sinful as your life may have been, for
His sake you are accounted righteous.
Christ's ,character stands in place of your
character, and you are accepted before God
just as if you had not sinned."—Steps
to
Christ,
page 67.
Christ's Righteousness Fits
Us for Translation
12.
What is the relation of the
righteousness of Christ to the law? Ps.
119:142; Rom. 8:4; 3:21.
NoTE.—"Righteousness is holiness, like-
ness to God; and 'God is love.' It is con-
formity to the law of God. . . . Righteous-
ness is love, and love is the light and the
life of
God."—Thoughts From the Mount
of Blessing,
page 34.
"He who becomes a partaker of the di-
vine nature will be in harmony with God's
great standard of righteousness, His holy
law."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 314.
13.
What should be the goal of
every child of God? Matt. 5:48; 1 John
3:2.
NoTE.—"God requires perfection of His
children. His law is a transcript of His own
character, and it is the standard of all
character. This infinite standard is pre-
sented to all that there may be no mistake
in regard to the kind of people whom God
will have to compose His kingdom. The
life of Christ on earth was a perfect ex-
pression of God's law, and when those who
claim to be children of God become Christ-
like in character, they will be obedient to
God's commandments. Then the Lord can
trust them to be of the number who shall
compose the family of heaven. Clothed in
the glorious apparel of Christ's righteous-
ness, they have a place at the King's feast.
They have a right to join the blood-washed
throng."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 315.
14.
What will fit us to see the glory
of God? Ps. 24:3, 4; Matt. 5:8.
NOTE.
—
"Only those who are clothed in
the garments of His righteousness will be
able to endure the glory of His presence
when He shall appear with 'power and
great glory.' "—Ellen G. White,
Review and
Herald,
July 9, 1908.
[ 16 ]
"The righteousness by which we are jus-
tified is imputed; the righteousness by
which we are sanctified is imparted. The
first is our title to heaven, the second is our
fitness for heaven."-Ibid., June 4, 1895.
Illustration:
Before a violin can be of any value, ei-
ther as a solo instrument or in an orchestra,
it must be tuned with the other instru-
ments. Before a life can be at its best and
in right relationship with other lives, it
must be in tune with Christ, who is our
righteousness. He is the supreme Music-
maker. When our lives are surrendered to
Him and covered with His righteousness,
then and only then will discords and strife
vanish.
Lesson 5, for July 31, 1954
The New Birth
MEMORY VERSE:
"Verily, verily,
I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 167-177; "Living Faith," chapter 5.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
5. Questions
10,
11; read
remaining
section of "The Desire of Ages" as-
2.
Key Thought; Questions 1-3; Memory
signment.
Verse.
6.
Questions 12-15; Illustration.
3.
Questions 4-6; "Living Faith," chap-
ter 5.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
4.
Questions 7-9; read section of "The
Desire of Ages" assignment.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Importance of the New Birth
1.
It was emphasized by Jesus. John
3:3, 5.
2.
It is needed by all. Rom. 3:23.
3.
It is man's only hope. Eph. 2:12.
II. An Old and New Testament
Doctrine
1.
David's penitent cry. Ps. 51:7-10.
2.
Ezekiel's prophecy and promise.
Ezek. 36:25-27.
3.
Joel's appeal. Joel 2:12, 13.
4.
John's declaration on birth in
Christ. 1 John 2:29; 3:9.
5.
Paul's statement on the new crea-
tion. 2 Cor. 5:17.
6.
Peter and the new birth. 1 Peter
1:23.
III. Meaning of the New Birth
•
1.
It is difficult to explain. John 3:7, 8.
2.
It must be experienced to be under-
stood. Luke 19:1-9.
IV. Evidences of the New Birth
1.
The surrendered will. Luke 22:42,
last part.
2.
The mind of Christ. Phil. 2:5.
3.
The humble spirit. Matt. 11:29, last
part.
4.
The
fruits of the
Spirit. Gal.
5:
22, 23.
Key Thought:
"The change of heart by which we be-
come children of God is in the Bible spoken
of as birth. Again, it is compared to the
germination of the good seed sown by the
husbandman. In like manner those who
[
17
]
are just converted to Christ are, as 'new-
born babes,' to 'grow up' (1 Peter 2:2;
Eph. 4:15) to the stature of men and
women in Christ Jesus. Or like the good
seed sown in the field, they are to grow up
and bring forth fruit. Isaiah says that they
shall 'be called trees of righteousness, the
planting of the Lord, that He might be
glorified.' Isa. 61:3. So from natural life,
illustrations are drawn, to help us better to
understand the mysterious truths of spirit-
ual
life."—Steps to Christ,
page 71.
THE LESSON
The Importance of the
New Birth
1.
What alone will qualify one to
enter the kingdom of God? John 3:
3, 5.
NOTE.—"The power of Christ alone can
work the transformation in heart and mind
that all must experience who would par-
take with Him of the new life in the king-
dom of heaven. 'Except a man be born
again,' the Saviour has said, 'he cannot see
the kingdom of God.' John 3:3. The re-
ligion that comes from God is the 'Only re-
ligion that-can lead to God. In order to
serve Him aright, we must be born of the
divine
Spirit."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 156.
2.
Why do all need the new birth?
Rom. 3:23; 5:12, last part.
3.
What is the condition of the one
who his not experienced the new
birth? Eph. 2:12; Luke 18:13.
NOTE.—"There are many who realize
their helplessness, and who long for that
spiritual life which will bring them into
harmony with God; they are vainly striving
to obtain it. In despair they cry, '0
wretched man that I am ! who shall deliver
me from this body of death?' Rom. 7:24,
margin. Let these desponding, struggling
ones look up. The Saviour is bending
over the purchase of His blood, saying
with inexpressible tenderness and pity, 'Wilt
thou be made whole?' He bids you arise in
health and peace. Do not wait to feel that
you are made whole. Believe His word,
and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on
the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and
in acting upon His word you will receive
strength."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 203.
An Old and New Testament
Doctrine
4.
How did the psalmist express
his earnest desire for a change of life
and heart? Ps. 51:7-10.
5.
What does the Lord say about
this experience? Ezek.
36:25-27;
11:
19, 20.
6.
What appeal for
-
genuine -re-
pentance is made by God through the
prophet Joel? Joel 2:12, 13.
7.
What is John's testimony con-
cerning those who have experienced
the new birth? 1 John 2:29; 3:9.
8.
By what is the life of the one
who is truly converted known? 2 Cor.
5:17.
NOTE.—" `If any man be in Christ, he is
a new creature: old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new.' 2 Cor.
5:17. Through the power of Christ men
and women have broken the chains of sin-
ful habit. They have renounced selfishness.
The profane have become reverent, the
drunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls
[ 18 ]
CHRIST FASHIONS A NEW • LIFE
FROM. SINFUL MATERIAL.
that have borne the likeness of Satan have
become transformed into the image of God.
This change is in itself the miracle of mir-
acles."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 476.
9.
By what means is the new birth
brought about? 1 Peter 1:23; James
1:18.
Meaning of the New Birth
10.
How did Jesus illustrate the
new birth? John 3:7, 8.
NOTE.—The new birth cannot be ex-
plained, it must be experienced. This was
taught very forcibly by Jesus when He
talked to Nicodemus and said that no one
could see the kingdom of God without be-
ing born again. Nicodemus was perplexed
when Jesus used the wind to illustrate the
working of the Spirit upon the life. Con-
cerning this we read: "The wind is heard
among the branches of the trees, rustling
the leaves and flowers; yet it is invisible,
and no man knows whence it comes or
whither it goes. So with the work of the
Holy Spirit upon the heart. It can no more
be explained than can the movements of
the wind. A person may not be able to tell
the exact time or place, or to trace all the
circumstances in the process of conversion;
but this does not prove him to be uncon-
verted. By an agency as unseen as the
wind, Christ is constantly working upon
the heart. Little by little, perhaps uncon-
sciously to the receiver, -"impressions are
made that tend to draw the soul to Christ.
These may be received through meditating
upon Him, through reading the Scriptures,
or through hearing the word from the liv-
ing preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes
with more direct appeal, the soul gladly sur-
renders itself to Jesus. By many this is
called sudden conversion ; but it is the re-
sult of long wooing by the Spirit of God,—
a patient, protracted process."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 172.
11.
When Zacchaeus was truly con-
verted, what did it lead him to do?
Luke 19:1-9.
Evidences of the New Birth
12.
When one has experienced the
new birth, what will he be willing to
say? Luke 12:42, last part.
NOTE.—When conversion takes place, self
will be fully surrendered to God. , Those
who are 'born again will always say: '
"Have Thine own way, Lord! }rave
Thine own way I.
_
Thou art the Potter; I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still."
—A. A. Pollard.
13.
What does the one who is con-
verted possess and reveal?, Phil. 2:5;
1 Cor. 2:16.
NOTE.—"The Spirit of God through faith
produces a new life in the soul. The
thoughts and desires are brought into
to the will of Christ. The heart, the
mind, are created anew in the image of
Him who works in us to subdue all things
to Himself."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 176.
14.
What admirable condition is
revealed in the life of the' one who
has been born again? Matt. 11:29, last
part; Isa. 57:15; Micah 6:8.
[19]
15. What fruit appears in the con-
verted life? Gal. 5:22, 23.
Nora.—Since
conversion is brought about
through the work of the Holy Spirit upon
the heart and life of the individual, we
must conclude that those who experience
the new birth are not only spiritually
minded but also Spirit-filled. They reveal
the "fruit of the Spirit."
"When the Spirit of God takes possession
of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful
thoughts are put away, evil deeds are re-
nounced; love, humility, and peace take
the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy
takes the place of sadness, and the counte-
nance reflects the light of heaven. No one
sees the hand that lifts the burden, or be-
holds the light descend from the courts
above. The blessing comes when by faith
the soul surrenders itself to God. Then
that power which no human eye can see
creates a new being in the image of God."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 173.
Illustration:
A youth swimming in the sea had gone
too far, and rescuers took him into a build-
ing while men worked desperately to re-
store him. As one after another left the
building, each said with a shrug of the
shoulders: "No hope."
At last someone emerged and cried: "He
has taken a breath l"
The new birth is new breath, new hope,
new life. It is breath from heaven that
comes when every breath of sin is gone.
It is new life from God when the old life of
sin is dead.
Lesson 6, for August 7, 1954
The Second Coming of Jesus
MEMORY VERSE: "Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Rev.
22:20.
STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," pages 640-644; "Living Faith," chapter 6.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Key Words; Questions 1, 2; Memory
Verse.
3.
Questions 3-7.
4.
Read "The Great Controversy" as-
signment.
5.
Questions 8-14.
6.
Question 15; Illustration; "Living
Faith," chapter 6.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Certainty of His Coming
1.
It
is based on Christ's promise. John
14:1-3.
2.
It is as certain as was the first ad-
vent. Heb. 9:27, 28.
II. The Doctrine in the Old and
New Testaments
1. Testimony of Old Testament char-
acters:
a.
Enoch. Jude 14, 15.
b.
Job. Job 19:25, 26.
c.
David. Ps. 50:3.
d.
Isaiah. Isa. 40:10. •
[ 20 ]
2.
Testimony of Gospel writers. Matt.
24:30; Mark 13:26, 27; Luke
21:27.
3.
Testimony of apostles. 2 Peter
1:16-19 ; Titus 2:13.
4.
The angels' proclamation. Acts 1:11.
III. The Nearness of His Coming
1.
The disciples' question. Matt. 24:3.
2.
The Saviour's answer. Matt.
24:4-13.
3.
The celestial signs. Luke 21:25-28.
4.
The signs in the church. 1 Tim. 4:1.
5.
The signs in the world. 2 Peter
3:3-5.
6.
The gospel to all the world. Matt.
24:14.
IV. Our Attitude Toward His Coming
1.
We must be watchful and ready.
Matt. 24:42, 44.
2.
We should pray for this event. Rev.
22:20, last part.
Key Words:
1. Coming.
The early Christians used
a word,
parousia,
as a term to denote their
Master's return. It was contrasted with
another word rendered "absence." Techni-
cally,
parousia
meant the presence of some-
one standing by.
"In bodily form, He is now absent in
heaven: on that day [the
parousia]
He will
be visibly present on earth."—J. Agar Beet,
Manual of Theology,
page 458.
2. Fables.
In 1 Timothy 1:4, as in other
scriptures, reference is made to fables,
which can refer to any oral sayings handed
down from the past. There was a large
body of rabbinical fables.
"It was said in the Jewish schools that
an oral law had been given on Sinai, and
that this law, a succession of teachers, from
the time of Moses, had handed down. This
`law that is upon the lip,' as it was termed,
was further illustrated and enlarged by the
sayings and comments of the more famous
Jewish rabbis, and in the time of our Lord
constituted a supplement to the written
law in the Pentateuch. For centuries this
supplementary code was preserved by mem-
ory or in secret rolls, and doubtless was
constantly receiving additions. It contained,
along with many wild and improbable leg-
endary histories, some wise teachings. This
strange collection of tradition and com-
ment was committed to writing in the sec-
ond century by Rabbi Jehuda, under the
general name of the Mishnah, or repeti-
tion (of the law)."—Ellicott,
Commen-
tary,
on 1 Tim. 1:4.
There were many other oral traditions,
which often served to becloud the truths
taught by Jesus. See Matthew 15:3.
THE LESSON
The Certainty of His Coming
1. What promise did Jesus make re-
garding His return? John
14a-3.
NOTE.—The words "I will come again"
were spoken at a time when the hearts of
God's children were troubled. That is why
the Lord began by saying: "Let not your
heart be troubled." The disciples tried to
understand what might happen to them
should the Master leave them. To bring
hope, cheer, comfort, and an undying faith
into their lives, He promised that He
would come again. How
sweet
the words
sounded, "And if I go and prepare a place
for you, I will come again." This promise
not only belonged to the disciples back
yonder, but it is a real inspiration to God's
people today who are looking forward to
His appearing. God's promises will not
fail. The coming of Jesus is mentioned
more than fifteen hundred times in His
word, and more than three hundred times
in the New Testament. What an emphasis
on His coming I
2. What two proofs given by Paul
make the second coming of Christ a
certainty? Heb. 9:27, 28.
NorE.—The first advent of Christ makes
the second advent necessary. If, the second
coming of the Lord did not take place, His
[21
1
ONLY ONE BEACON OF HOPE
IN A LOST WORLD.
first appearing would be of no avail. Paul
wrote: "So Christ was once offered to bear
the sins of many." This is a historical fact;
He was here; He was the offering that was
made in our behalf for our sins. Therefore
Paul continues: "And unto them that look
for Him shall He appear the second time."
This statement makes His second advent
definite. He will come again.
The Doctrine in the Old
and New Testaments
3. What testimonies are given by
Old Testament characters regarding
the coming of the Lord? Jude 14, 15;
Job. 19:25, 26; Ps. 50:3; Isa. 40:10.
NOTE.—"The
coming of the Lord has
been in all ages the hope of His true fol-
lowers. The Saviour's parting promise upon
Olivet, that He would come again, lighted
up the future for His disciples, filling their
hearts with .joy and hope that sorrow
could not quench nor trials dim. Amid
suffering and persecution, 'the appearing of
the great God and our Saviour Jesus
Christ' was the 'blessed hope."'—The
Great
Controversy,
page 302.
7. At the time of Christ's ascension,
what promise did the angels make to
the disciples? Acts 1:11.
NOTE.—"While
the disciples were gazing
upward to catch the last glimpse of their
ascending Lord, He was received into the
rejoicing ranks of heavenly angels. As these
angels escorted Him to the courts above,
they sang in triumph, 'Sing unto God, ye
kingdoms of the earth; 0 sing praises unto
the Lord, to Him that rideth upon the
heavens of heavens. . .. Ascribe ye strength
unto God; His excellency is over Israel, and
His strength is in the heavens.' Ps. 68:32-34,
margin. . .
"The promise of Christ's second coming
was ever to be kept fresh in the minds of
His disciples. The same Jesus whom they
had seen ascending into heaven, would come
again, to take to Himself those who here
below give themselves to His service."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 32, 33.
The Nearness of His Coming
4.
How did the Gospel writers re-
gard the Saviour's great prophecy of
His return? Matt. 24:30; Mark 13:26,
27; Luke 21:27.
5.
What experience is mentioned
by Peter that lifts the doctrine of
Christ's advent above the false teach-
ings of men? 2 Peter 1:16-19.
8.
With what important event were
the disciples concerned, and what
question did they ask the Master?
Matt. 24:3.
9.
What are some of the omens of
the soon return of the Saviour? Matt.
24:7, 12, 23, 24, 27, 37-39.
6. What is the coming of Jesus
called? Titus 2:13.
NorE.—"As the people of Noah's day
`knew not until the Flood came, and took
them all away; so,' in .the words of our
[ 22 ]
Saviour, 'shall also the coming of the Son
of man be.' Matt. 24:39. When the pro-
fessed people of God are uniting with the
world, living as they live, and joining with
them in forbidden pleasure; when the lux-
ury of the world becomes the luxury of the
church; when the marriage bells are chim-
ing, and all are looking forward to many
years of worldly prosperity,—then, sud-
denly as the lightning flashes from the
heavens, will come the end of their bright
visions and delusive hopes."—The
Great
Controvery,
pages 338, 339.
10.
What specific events seen today
reveal the nearness of the second com-
ing of the Lord? Luke 21:25-28.
11.
How did Paul describe the con-
ditions that would prevail just prior
to the second coming of Jesus? 1 Tim.
4:1.
12.
What did Peter say would be
the attitude of the wicked concerning
the second advent? 2 Peter 3:3-5.
13.
What great task confronts the
people of God before the coming of
the Lord? Matt. 24:14.
Our Attitude Toward His
Coming
14.
What should be the attitude of
every child of God toward the coming
of Jesus? Matt. 24:42, 44; Isa. 25:9;
2 Tim. 4:8.
15.
What should be the daily prayer
of the true Christian? Rev. 22:20, last
part.
Illustration:
On the-elvnth day of March, 1942, Gen-
eral Douglas McArthur was ordered to
leave"'the Philippines, but he engendered
faith in those he left behind when he said:
"I shall return." About two and a• half
years later his voice was heard over the
air, and. the message he sent to the people
of the Philippines was: "I have returned."
Someday our Saviour, who promised to
come again,
will be heard saying: "I have
returned." This is not a fanciful interpre-
tation of the Scriptures. His promise to re-
turn is recorded in the sure word of God.
"I will come again, and receive you unto
Myself; that where I am, there ye may be
also." John 14:3.
Lesson 7, for August 14, 1954
Manner and Purpose of Christ's Coming
MEMORY VERSE:
"And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give
every man according as his work shall be." Rev. 22:12.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," pages 304-309; "Living Faith," chapter 7.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1. Sabbath afternoon: general survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
4. Read "The Great Controversy" as-
signment.
2.
Key Thought; Questions 1-3; Memory
5.
Questions 7-12.
Verse.
6.
Questions, 13-17; Illustration.
3.
Questions 4-6; "Living Faith," chap-
ter. 7.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
[ 23 1
Lesson Outline:
I. False Ideas Concerning His Coming
1.
The warning against deception.
Matt. 24:4, 5, 24.
2.
The crowning act of deception.
2 Cor. 11:14.
3.
The deceived. 2 Thess. 2:10-12.
II. Specific Errors Concerning the
Second Advent
1.
That it took place at the resurrec-
tion. Matt. 28:2-6; Mark 16:2-6;
Rev. 1:7.
2.
That it takes place at conversion.
Matt. 24:30.
3.
That it takes place at death. John
21:21-23.
III. Christ's Coming Is Personal and
Visible
1.
Promise of Jesus to come in per-
son. John 14:3.
2.
"The Lord Himself shall descend."
1 Thess. 4:16.
3.
The angels' assurance of a personal
return. Acts 1:11.
4.
The warning against secret appear-
ings. Matt. 24:23-26.
5.
The appearance like lightning.
Matt. 24:27.
6.
The threefold glory of His appear-
ance. Matt. 16:27.
IV. The Purpose of Christ's Return
1.
To bring salvation. Isa. 61:1-3 ;
Luke 19:10.
2.
To gather the elect. Matt. 24:31.
3.
To set up His kingdom. Dan. 2:44;
Rev. 11:15.
4.
To establish His kingdom. Matt.
6:33.
Key Thought:
"Satan can present a counterfeit so closely
resembling the truth that it deceives those
who are willing to be deceived, who desire
to shun the self-denial and sacrifice de-
manded by the truth; but it is impossible
for him to hold under his power one soul
who honestly desires, at whatever cost, to
know the truth. Christ is the truth, and
the 'light, which lighteth every man that
cometh into the world.' John 1:9. The
Spirit of truth has been sent to guide men
into all truth."-The
Great Controversy,
page 528.
THE LESSON
False Ideas Concerning His
Coming
1.
What did Jesus say would be
one of the deceptions of the latter
times? Matt. 24:4, 5, 24.
NoTE.
-
"Evil spirits
will be put upon the
track of every soul that seeks to join the
ranks of Christ, for Satan wishes to re-
cover the prey taken from his grasp. Evil
men will give themselves over to believe
strong delusions, that they may be damned.
These men will put on the garments of
sincerity and deceive, if possible, the very
elect."-Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 595.
2.
Before the end of time, how will
Satan himself attempt to deceive the
people? 2 Cor. 11:14.
NOTE.
-"As the crowning act in the great
drama of deception, Satan himself will per-
sonate Christ. The church has long pro-
fessed to look to the Saviour's advent as the
consummation of her hopes. Now the great
deceiver will make it appear that Christ has
come. In different parts of the earth, Satan
will manifest himself among men as a ma-
jestic being of dazzling brightness, resem-
bling the description of the Son of God
given by John in the Revelation. Rev. 1:
13-15. The glory that surrounds him is
unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes
have yet beheld. The shout of triumph
rings out upon the air, 'Christ has come !
Christ has come!' The people prostrate
themselves in adoration before him, while
he lifts up his hands, and pronounces a
blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His
disciples when He was upon the earth. . . .
"But the people of God will not be mis-
led. The teachings of this false christ are
not in accordance with the Scriptures."-
The Great Controversy,
pages 624, 625.
[
247
3.
What four experiences does Paul
note in the lives of those who will be
deceived? 2 Thets: 2:10-12.
NOTE.—It is important that we not only
know the manner of Christ's coming but
that we have the right attitude toward this
great event. Satan will do his utmost to de-
ceive even the very elect. Paul earmarks
those who are or who will be deceived. He
tells us that they will be known by the
following: They (1) "received not the
love of the truth," (2) "believe a lie," (3)
"believed not the truth," (4) "had pleasure
in unrighteousness."
When we rely upon the word of God, ac-
cept its teaching, and live in harmony with
it, we need not fear deception.
Specific Errors Concerning the
Second Advent
4.
Why cannot the resurrection of
Jesus represent His second coming?
Matt. 28:2-6; Mark 16:2-6; Rev. 1:7.
Nom.—When Christ came forth from the
tomb, only a few saw Him. When He comes
the second time, "every eye shall see Him."
The two events are entirely separate. The
first has already taken place; the second
takes place after the gospel has been
preached or proclaimed to every nation,
tongue, and people. Matt. 24:14.
5.
Why cannot conversion repre-
sent the second corning of Christ?
Matt. 24:30.
NOTE.—There are those who believe that
the second coming of Jesus takes place at
the time of conversion, but this is not based
upon a "thus saith the Lord." When one
experiences the new birth, Christ comes and
dwells in the heart by His Holy Spirit; but
this is not His second coming. The coming
of Jesus into the heart by His Spirit is in-
visible; His second coming will be visible
and universal.
6.
What experience indicates that
the disciples did not believe that death
is the second coming of Jesus? John
21:21-23.
NOTE.--It
is evident that the disciples re-
garded death and the coming of Christ as
two distinct or separate events.
"The teaching so widely echoed from
popular pulpits, that the second advent of
Christ is His coming to each individual at
death, is a device to divert the minds 'of
men from His personal coming in the
clouds of heaven. For yeah Satan has thus
been saying, 'Behold, He is in the secret
chambers;' and many souls have been lost
by accepting this deception."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 525.
Christ's Corning Is Personal
and Visible
7.
What did Jesus promise con-
cerning His second coming? John
14:3.
8.
What does the apostle Paul say
about the personal coming of the
Lord? 1 Thess. 4:16.
9.
What assurance was given by
the angels at the time of the ascension
of Jesus? Acts 1:11.'
NoTE.—"It was the compassionate Sav-
iour, who, anticipating the loneliness and
sorrow of His followers, commissioned an-
gels to comfort them with the assurance
that He would come again in person, even
as He went into heaven."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 339.
10.
What warning did Jesus give
concerning the teaching of a secret
coming? Matt. 24:23-26.
[ 251
NO ONE WILL BE DECEIVED
WHO KNOWS
GOD'S WOW.
NoTE.—"Satan is not permitted to coun-
terfeit the manner of Christ's advent. The
Saviour has warned His people against de-
ception upon this point, and has clearly
foretold the manner of His second coming.
`There shall arise false christs, and false
prophets, and shall show great signs and
wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible,
they shall deceive the very elect. . . .
Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Be-
hold, He is in the desert; go not forth: be-
hold, He is in the secret chambers; believe
it not.' " Matt. 24:
24-27.—The Great Con-
troversy,
page 625.
11.
In what striking manner is the
visible coming of the Lord described
in the word of God? Matt. 24:27.
12.
In what glory will the Saviour
appear? Matt. 16:27; Luke 9:26. Com-
pare Dan. 7:9; Ps. 50:3; Ezek. 1:13, 14.
NoTE.—The glory that surrounds Christ
when He appears the second time is inde-
scribable. We read: "No human pen can
portray the scene; no mortal mind is ade-
quate to conceive its splendor. 'His glory
covered the heavens, and the earth was full
of His praise. And His brightness was as
the light.' Hab. 3:3, 4. As the living cloud
comes still nearer, every eye beholds the
Prince of life. No crown of thorns now
mars that sacred head, but a diadem of
glory rests on His holy brow. His counte-
nance outshines the dazzling brightness of
the noonday
sun."—The Great Controversy,
page 641.
The Purpose of Christ's Return
13.
What was the purpose of the
first advent of Christ? Isa. 61:1-3;
Luke 19:10; Heb. 9:28, first part.
NOTE.—"Christ came to bring salvation
within the reach of all. Upon the cross of
Calvary He paid the infinite redemption
price for a lost world. His self-denial and
self-sacrifice, His unselfish labor, His humili-
ation, above all, the offering up of His life,
testifies to the depth of His love for fallen
man. It was to seek and to save the lost
that He came to earth. His mission was to
sinners, sinners of every grade, of every
tongue and nation. He paid the price for
all, to ransom them and bring them into
union and sympathy with
Himself."—Tes-
timonies,
vol. 5, p. 603.
14.
What will the angels do when
they appear with Christ in glory?
Matt. 24:31. Compare Isa. 43:5, 6.
15.
What will the people of God
then receive? Heb. 9:28.
NOTE.—"In the typical service the high
priest, having made the atonement for Is-
rael, came forth and blessed the congrega-
tion. So Christ, at the close of His work
as mediator, will appear, 'without sin unto
salvation' (Heb. 9:28), to bless His waiting
people with eternal
life."—The Great Con-
troversy,
page 485.
16.
At the return of Jesus, what
will become of the kingdoms of this
world? Dan. 2:44; Rev. 11:15.
NOTE.—"About His coming cluster the
glories of that 'restitution of all things,
which God hath spoken by the mouth of
[ 26 ]
all His holy prophets since the world be-
gan.' Acts 3:21. Then the long-continued
rule of evil shall be broken ; 'the kingdoms
of this world' will become 'the kingdoms
of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He
shall reign for ever and ever.' Rev. 11:15.
`The glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together.' The
Lord God will cause righteousness and
praise to spring forth before all the nations.'
Isa. 40 : 5 ; 61:
11."-The Great Controversy,
page 301.
17. In view of the
,
soon establish-
ment of His kingdom, what should we
do? Matt. 6:33.
NOTE.
-"If
you give yourself to God's
service, He who has all power in heaven
and earth will provide for your needs."-
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
page
147.
Illustration:
It is said that on a hot summer day a lad
was traveling alone in a train. A lady asked
him if he were not tired of the journey, the
noise, and the heat. The boy replied: "Yes,
ma'am, a little. But I don't mind it much,
because my father is going to meet me when
I get to the end of it." When we tire a lit-
tle, let us remember that the Master will
meet us at the end of the journey.
Lesson 8, for August 21, 1954
Immortality Through Christ
MEMORY VERSE:
"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of
God hath not life." 1 John 5:12.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," pages 58, 531-534; "Living Faith," chap-
ter 8.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey 4.
of the lesson, based on outline.
5.
2.
Key Words; Background Information; 6.
Questions 1-3.
3.
Questions 4-6; Memory Verse.
7.
Questions 7-10.
Read 'living Faith," chapter 8.
Questions 11-13; Illustration; "The
Great Controversy" assignment.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. Man's Creation and Nature'
1.
Created by God. Gen. 1:26, 27.
2.
Perfect. Gen. 1:31.
3.
Wonderfully made. Ps. 139:14.
II. Immortality
1.
God alone possesses immortality.
1 Tim. 6:15, 16.
2.
Man stated to be mortal. Job 4:17.
3.
Man believed Satan's lie. Gen. 3:4.
III. Man's True Condition in Death
1. He has returned to dust. Eccl.
3:19, 20.
2.
His thoughts have perished. Ps.
146:3, 4.
3.
He is unconscious. John 11:11.
4.
He rests in the grave. Job 17:13.;
Dan. 12:13.
IV. Immortal Life
1.
It is found only in Christ. John
10:15, 17, 18.
2.
It is a gift of God through Christ.
John 3 : 16.
3.
It is received at the resurrection of
the righteous. 1 Cor.
15:51-55.
Key Words:
"Soul.
The Hebrew word
nephesh,
of the
Old Testament, occurs about 700 times, and
[27
]
is rendered
soul
471 times;
life
and
living
about 150 times; and the same word is also
rendered a
man,
a
person, self, they, me,
him, anyone, breath, heart, mind, appetite,
the
body
(dead or alive),
lust, creature,
and
even a
beast;
for it is 28 times applied to
beasts,
and to
every creeping thing.
The
Greek word
psuchee
of the New Testa-
ment, corresponds with
nephesh
of the Old.
It occurs 105 times, and is rendered
soul
59
times, and
life
40 times. The same word is
also rendered,
mind, us, you, heart, heartily,
and is twice applied to the
beasts
that per-
ish. . . . Perhaps it may be worthy of no-
tice, that in all the 700 times which
nephesh
occurs, and the 105 times of
psuchee,
not
once is the word
immortal,
or
immortality,
or
deathless,
or
never-dying,
found in con-
nection, as qualifying the terms. . . .
"Spirit.
The Hebrew word
ruach
occurs
400 times in the Old Testament, and is ren-
dered
spirit
240 times;
breath
28 times;
wind
95 times;
mind
6 times, and the bal-
ance in 18 different ways. . . . Like the
word
psuchee,
neither
ruach
nor
pneuma
are ever once connected with the words
which indicate that it is deathless, never-
dying, or immortal."—Wilson,
Emphatic
Diaglott,
1870 edition, Alphabetical Appen-
dix.
Background Information:
Belief in the natural immortality of the
soul led to the deification and worship of
the dead. This was customary among all
the people of antiquity,—Egyptians, Assyr-
ians, Babylonians, Phoenicians, Greeks,—
in fact, among all except those who wor-
shiped the true God. More than that, this
false doctrine, the immortality of the soul,
paved the way for the teaching of spiritism,
which is defined as "a belief that departed
spirits hold intercourse with mortals by
means of physical phenomena, as by rap-
ping, or during abnormal mental states, as
in trances, commonly manifested through a
medium; the practices of spiritualists."—
Webster,
New Collegiate Dictionary.
THE LESSON
Man's Creation and Nature
1.
Who was the Creator of man,
and how was man made? Gen. 1:26,
27; 2:7; Ps. 103:14.
2.
In what condition was man when
he came forth from the hands of his
Maker? Gen. 1:31; Eccl. 7:29.
Nora.—"In the creation of man was mani-
fest the agency of
a
personal God. When
God had made man in His image, the
human form was perfect in all its arrange-
ments, but it was without life. Then a per-
sonal, self-existing God breathed into that
form the breath of life, and man became a
living, breathing, intelligent being. All parts
of the human organism were put in action.
The heart, the arteries, the veins, the tongue,
the hands, the feet, the senses, the percep-
tions of the mind—all began their work,
and
all were
placed under law. Man be-
came a living soul. Through Jesus Christ
a personal God created man and endowed
him with intelligence and
power."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 8, p. 264.
3.
As David considered the miracle
of his own creation, what was he led
to exclaim? Ps. 139:14.
NOTE.—"The psalmist cannot contem-
plate his own frame, God's workmanship,
without breaking into thanks, nor without
being touched with awe. Every man car-
ries in his own body reasons enough for
reverent gratitude."—Alexander Maclaren,
D.D.,
Expositor's Bible,
comment on Ps.
139:13-18.
Immortality
4.
Who only possesses inherent im-
mortality? 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; 1:17.
NoTE.—The word "immortality" is de-
fined by Webster as "exempt from liability
to die." God is the only being who pos-
sesses original life or immortality in Him-
self. All others must receive it from Him.
[ 28 ]
5.
What did Job say about the na-
ture of man? Job 4:17.
NorE.—Webster defines the word
mortal
as "subject to death."
6.
What was the basis of the false
teaching concerning the immortality
of the soul? Gen.
3:4.
NOTE.—The
first lie ever recorded came
from the enemy of all truth. This lie is ex-
pressed in five words: "Ye shall not surely
die." These words form the root, the foun-
dation, upon which the theory of the im-
mortality of man is based—a poor founda-
tion to build upon.
Among ancient peoples in general there
was some form of belief in survival after
death, just as there was an equally wide-
spread tradition of a universal flood. These
things point to a common origin. In the
first case it was the satanic lie, "Ye shall
not surely die ;" in the second it was the
Biblical story of the Flood.
"Herodotus reports (bk. ii, 123) that the
Egyptians 'were the first who taught that
man's soul is immortal.' "—J. Agar Beet,
The Immortality of the Soul,
page 15.
Man's True Condition in Death
7.
What happens to man when he
dies? Eccl. 3:19, 20; 12:7; Gen. 3:19.
8.
What is the state , of man in
death? Ps. 146:3,
4; 6:5;
Ecd. 9:5, 6.
9.
With what is death compared in
the Bible? John 11:11; Dan. 12:13;
1 Cor. 15:51; 1 Thess.. 4:15.
NorE.—Death is a sleep. This thought
runs through the whole Bible. In sound
sleep one is wholly lost to consciousness;
time goes by unmeasured.
THE AUTHOR OF
THE
RESURRECTION
PROMISES MAN ETERNAL LIFE.
10.
What does the word teach con-
cerning the resting place of the dead?
Job 17:13; Dan. 12:13.
NOTE.—The
Hebrew original for
grave
in Job 17:13 is
sheol,
meaning, among other
things, a dark, hollow, subterranean place,
used simply in reference to the abode of the
dead in general, without distinguishing be-
tween the good and the bad. See Young's
Analytical Concordance.
If the dead are in the grave, then they
are not in heaven or in a place of torment.
If they have no thought, then they cannot
think. If they know nothing, then they
have no understanding. If the dead are
asleep, then they are not awake.
Immortal Life
11.
What definite proof do we have
that immortality is found only in
Christ? John 10:15, 17, 18; Acts 3:15;
Rev. 1:18.
NorE.—Jesus laid down His life, but He
was the "Prince of life." Acts 3:15. Be-
cause He was sinless and holy He came
forth from the tomb. Rom. 1:4. As He
was the Author of eternal salvation, so He
was "the Author of the resurrection," and
because Jesus was the Conqueror of the
[ 29
grave "He asserted His right and power to
give eternal life" to all who trust in Him.
See
The Desire of Ages,
page 530. He de-
livered us from wrath by His death, and
brought to us immortality through His own
divine life.
12. Who only is assured
of
immor-
tal life? John 3:16; 1 John
5:12;
Rom.
2:7.
NOTE.
-"Every
man may come into pos-
session of this priceless blessing if he will
comply with the conditions. All 'who by
patient continuance in well-doing seek for
glory and honor and immortality,' will re-
ceive 'eternal life.' Rom. 2:
7"-The Great
Controversy,
page 533.
13. When will the people of God
be clothed with immortality? 1 Cor.
15:51-55;
Ps.
17:15; 1
Thess.
4:15,
16.
Illustration:
In Bunhill Fields, London, stands the
tomb of Dr. John Coudor, and on it the
following words are inscribed: "I have
sinned, I have repented; I have trusted, I
have loved; I rest, I shall rise; and through
the grace of Christ, however unworthy, I
shall reign." These words express the hope
of all those who have served God and have
been laid to rest.
Lesson 9, for August 28, 1954
The Millennium
MEMORY VERSE:
"And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." Rev.
20:4, last part.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," pages 653-660; "Living Faith," chapter
9.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Key
Thought; Questions 1-3.
3.
Questions 4-6; "The Great Contro-
versy" assignment.
4.
Questions 7-9; Memory Verse.
5.
Read "Living Faith," chapter 9.
6.
Questions 10-14; Illustration.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. Premillennial World Conditions
1.
Compared to Noah's day. Matt.
24:37-39; Gen. 6:5, 11; 2 Tim.
3:1-5
2.
Two classes of men. Matt.
13:38, 39.
3.
Peace efforts. Isa. 2:2-4; Joel 3:9,
10; 1 Thess. 5:3.
II. The Beginning of the Millennium
IV.
1. The return of Christ. John 14:1-3;
Rev. 20:4, 5.
[ 30
1
2.
The two resurrections. Rev.
20:4, 5.
3.
The wicked slain. 2 Thess. 2:7-10.
4.
The saints taken to heaven. John
14:3; 1 Thess. 4:16 (last part), 17.
Events During the Millennium
1.
Satan bound. Rev. 20:1, 2.
2.
The earth desolate. Jer. 4:23-27.
3.
The righteous sit in judgment. Rev.
20:4.
The Close of the Millennium
1. The resurrection of the wicked. Rev.
20:5, first part.
2.
The loosing of Satan. Verse 3 (last
part), 7.
3.
The attempt on the city. Verses
7-9.
4.
The destruction of the wicked.
Mal. 4:1.
S.
The new earth. Rev. 21:1; Isa.
65:17.
'
Key Thought:
The word
millennium
comes from two
Latin words,
mille,
meaning "a thousand,"
and
annus
"a year"—a thousand years. The
word
millennium
is not found in the Eng-
lish Bible, but the expression "one thou-
sand years," which is equivalent to it, is
used six times in the twentieth chapter of
Revelation. The saints will be in heaven,
the wicked are slain, and Satan is bound.
He and his angels will be judged during this
period. "The angels which kept not their
first estate, but left their own habitation, He
hath reserved in everlasting chains under
darkness unto the judgment of the great
day." Jude 6.
THE LESSON
Premillennial World Conditions
1.
What conditions precede the
coming of the Lord? Matt. 24:37-39;
Gen. 6:5, 11; 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
NOTE.—Thinking men and women every-
where recognize the prevailing wickedness
of the time in which we live. No one can
deny that drunkenness, vice, crime, and de-
bauchery have greatly increased. The sins
of Noah's days are repeated in our day.
2.
How many classes of people will
there be when Christ comes? Matt.
13:38, 39.
NoTE.—We are told that "the harvest is
the end of the world." It is plain that the
wicked, represented by the tares, live with
the righteous—the wheat—until the end of
the world. Jesus and the New Testament
writers nowhere anticipated that the whole
world would be converted.
3.
What has been prophesied con-
cerning peace efforts in the last days
and their results? Isa. 2:2-4; Joel 3:9,
10; 1 Thess. 5:3.
NOTE.—"'Where is the promise of His
coming? for since the fathers fell asleep,
all things continue as they were from the
beginning.' 2 Peter 3:4. Do we not hear
these very words repeated, not merely by
the openly ungodly, but by many who oc-
cupy the pulpits of our land? 'There is no
cause for alarm,' they cry. 'Before Christ
shall come, all the world is to be con-
verted, and righteousness is to reign for a
thousand years. Peace, peace ! all things
continue as they were from the beginning.
Let none be disturbed by the exciting mes-
sage of these alarmists.' But this doctrine
of the millennium does not harmonize with
the teachings of Christ and His apostles."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 103.
The Beginning of the. Millennium
4.
What glorious events mark the
beginning of the millennium? John
14:1-3; Rev. 20:4, 5.
No
-
I
-
E.—There will be two general resur-
rections with one thousand years between
them. They mark the beginning and the
end of the thousand years. The first resur-
rection brings forth those who died in the
Lord; the second, those who have rejected
Christ and will be lost eternally. Since the
righteous dead are raised at the second com-
ing of Christ, it is evident that this event
will mark the last day of the present Chris-
tian age, and the beginning of the millen-
nium, or the thousand-year period. There-
fore the coming of Christ is premillennial.
5.
What will happen to the wicked
when Christ comes? 2 Thess. 2:7-10;
[ 31 ]
Heb. 10:27. Compare Luke 17:26-30;
1 Thess. 5:3.
NOTE.-"At
the coming of Christ the
wicked are blotted from the face of the
whole earth,—consumed with the spirit of
His mouth, and destroyed by the brightness
of His glory."—The
Great Controversy,
page 657.
6.
At the second coming of Christ
what delightful change is afforded the
righteous? John 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:16
(last part), 17.
Events During the Millennium
7.
After the translation of the right-
eous and the slaying of the wicked,
where and how will Satan be con-
fined? Rev. 20:1, 2. Compare Mark
5:3, 4.
NorE.—With the righteous in heaven and
the wicked slain, his iniquitous work is
brought to a standstill during the thousand
years, for he will have no one to deceive.
His place of confinement is the "bottomless
pit," or this earth. The expression
bottom-
less pit
is the same that is used in the Sep-
tuagint translation of Genesis 1:2, and
which is rendered
deep
in the King James
Version.
"That the expression 'bottomless pit' rep-
resents the earth in a state of confusion and
darkness, is evident from other scriptures.
Concerning the condition of the earth 'in
the beginning,' the Bible record says that
it 'was without form, and void; and dark-
ness was upon the face of the deep.' Gen.
1:2. Prophecy teaches that it will be
brought back, partially at least, to this
condition.. . .
"For a thousand years, Satan will wan-
der to and fro in the desolate earth, to be-
hold the results of his rebellion against the
law of God. During this time his sufferings
are intense. Since his fall, his life of un-
ceasing activity has banished reflection; but
he is now deprived of his power, and left
to contemplate the part which he has acted
32
since first lie rebelled against the govern-
ment of heaven, and to look forward with
trembling and terror to the dreadful future,
when he must suffer for all the evil that
he has done, and be punished for the sins
that he has caused to be committed."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 658-660.
8.
What will be the condition
of Satan's prison house during the
thousand years? Jer. 4:23-27; Isa.
24:19, 20.
NorE.—"The whole earth appears like a
desolate wilderness. The ruins of cities and
villages destroyed by the earthquake, up-
rooted trees, ragged rocks thrown out by
the sea or torn out of the earth itself, are
scattered over its surface, while vast caverns
mark the spot where the mountains have
been rent from their foundations. . . .
"The revelator foretells the banishment
of Satan, and the condition of chaos and
desolation to which the earth is to be re-
duced; and he declares that this condition
will exist for a thousand years."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 657, 658.
9.
During the millennium what
will be the work of the righteous?
Rev. 20:4; 1 Cor. 6:1, 2; Ps. 149:4-9.
NorE.—"During the thousand years be-
tween the first and the second resurrection,
the judgment of the wicked takes place.
. . . It is at this time that, as foretold by
Paul, 'the saints shall judge the world.'
Rev. 20:4, 6; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3. In union with
Christ they judge the wicked, comparing
their acts with the statute book, the Bible,
and deciding every case according to the
deeds done in the body. Then the portion
which the wicked must suffer is meted out,
according to their works; and it is re-
corded against their names in the book of
death."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 660,
661.
The Close of the Millennium
10.
When will the rest of the dead,
the wicked, be resurrected? Rev. 20:5,
first part.
DURING
me
1,000 YEARS THE SAINTS WILL.
SEZ THAT
GOD IS JUST
WITH THE WICKED.
NOTE.-"At
the close of the thousand
years the second resurrection will take
place. Then the wicked will be raised from
the dead, and appear before God for the
execution of 'the judgment written.' Thus
the revelator, after describing the resurrec-
tion of the righteous, says, 'The rest of the
dead lived not again until the thousand
years were finished.' Rev. 20:5. And Isa-
iah declares, concerning the wicked, 'They
shall be gathered together, as prisoners are
gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in
the prison, and
after many days shall they
be visited.'
Isa. 24:22."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 661.
11.
What change in Satan's condi-
tion will take place at the close of the
millennium? Rev. 20:3 (last part), 7.
12.
As a result of the resurrection
of the wicked, what does Satan at-
tempt to do, and what is the outcome?
Rev. 20:7-9.
NoTE.—"Satan consults with his angels,
and then with these kings and conquerors
and mighty men. They look upon the
strength and numbers on their side, and
declare that the army within the city is
small in comparison with theirs, and that it
can be overcome. They lay their plans to
take possession of the riches and glory of
the New Jerusalem. All immediately begin
to prepare for battle. . . .
"In his last great effort to dethrone
Christ, destroy His people, and take pos-
session of the City of God, the archdeceiver
has been fully unmasked. Those who have
united with him see the total failure of his
cause."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 664-
670.
13.
How complete will be the de-
struction of the wicked? Mal. 4:1;
Nahum 1:9.
NoTE.—"Satan's work of ruin is forever
ended. For six thousand years be has
wrought his will, filling the earth with woe,
and causing grief throughout the universe.
The whole creation has groaned and
travailed together in pain. Now God's crea-
tures are forever delivered from his pres-
ence and temptations."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 673.
14.
After the destruction of the
wicked by fire what will appear? Rev.
21:1; Isa. 65:17.
Illustration:
A preacher was concluding a sermon on
the millennium, stressing the final union of
Christ with His people. "It reminds me,"
he said, "of a reunion I once saw. A beauti-
ful young woman returned from college with
many honors. A tremendous reception en-
gulfed her, and she was swept up in the
noisy festivities with which her little home
town welcomed her. I was at her home
when it was all over. Throwing her arms
round her mother's neck, she exclaimed:
`Oh, mother, this is the moment I have been
longing for !' "
That will be the feeling in every heart
when Jesus and His people are united for-
ever.
PLAN NOW FOR THE THIRTEENTH SABBATH, SEPTEMBER 25
[ 33 ]
Lesson 10, for September 4, 1954
The Law of God
MEMORY VERSE:
"Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out
of Thy law." Ps. 1 19:18.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 303-314; "Living Faith," chap-
ter 10.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Key Thought; Questions 1-5.
3.
Questions 6-8; "Patriarchs and
Prophets" assignment.
4.
Questions 9-12.
5.
Read "Living Faith," chapter 10.
6.
Questions 13-16; Application; Mem-
ory Verse.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. Purpose of the Law
1.
To reveal the things of God. Ps.
119:18.
2.
To outline God's plan for man. Ecd.
12:13.
3.
To bring peace and tranquillity.
Ps. 119:165; Isa. 48:18.
4.
To expose wrongdoing. 1 John 3:4.
5.
To show the love of God among
men. John 13:34; 15:10.
II. The Law a Revelation of God's
Character
1.
It is holy, just, good. Rom. 7:12.
2.
It is perfect. Ps. 19:7 ; Matt. 5:48.
3.
It is unchangeable. Ps. 111:7, 8;
Matt. 5:17, 18.
III. The Attempt to Change the Law
1.
Prophesied. Dan. 7:25.
2.
Attempted by the papal power. See
note.
3.
Unchanged after the crucifixion.
Rom. 3:31; 7:12; James 2:10.
IV. The Law Is God's Standard in
Judgment
1.
God judges in righteousness. Ps.
67:4; Acts 17:31.
2.
The law is the standard of right-
eousness. Ps. 119:172.
3.
Men are judged by the law. James
2:8-12.
-
V. The Christian's Attitude Toward
the Law
1.
The example of Christ. John 15:10;
Isa. 42:21.
2.
The psalmist's attitude. Ps. 119:6,
47, 69.
3.
The attitude of the remnant church.
Rev. 14:12.
Key Thought:
"The law was not spoken at this time ex-
clusively for the benefit of the Hebrews.
God honored them by making them the
guardians and keepers of His law, but it was
to be held as a sacred trust for the whole
world. The precepts of the Decalogue are
adapted to all mankind, and they were given
for the instruction and government of all.
Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive, and
authoritative, cover the duty of man to God
and to his fellow man; and all based upon
the great fundamental principle • of love.
`Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with
all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy strength, and with all thy
mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.' Luke
10:27. In the Ten Commandments these
principles are carried out in detail, and
made applicable to the condition and cir-
cumstances of
man."-Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 305.
[ 34 1
THE LESSON
NOTE.—"The first step in reconciliation
to God, is the conviction of sin. 'Sin is the
transgression of the law.' By the law is the
knowledge of sin.' 1 John 3:4; Rom. 3:20.
In order to see his guilt, the sinner must
test his character by God's great standard
of righteousness. It is a mirror which
shows the perfection of a righteous charac-
ter, and enables him to discern the defects
in his own. The law reveals to man his sins,
but it provides no remedy. While it prom-
ises life to the obedient, it declares that
death is the portion of the transgressor.
The gospel of Christ alone can free him
from the condemnation or the defilement of
sin."—The Great Controversy,
pages 467,
468.
5. What is the new commandment,
and what is its relation to the law of
God? John 13:34; 15:10. See Deut.
6:4.
Purpose of the Law
1.
As the psalmist contemplated the
law of God, what prayer did he offer
for enlightenment? Ps. 119:18.
Norn.—The words "Open Thou mine
eyes" are a request; they express a heart
desire. The psalmist was not blind physi-
cally; he prayed for spiritual eyesight that
he might see the beauty, the wondrous
things in the law. Before one can under-
stand the purpose of the law, he must have
spiritual eyesight. Blind Helen Keller,
shortly before her sixtieth birthday, ex-
pressed pity for the real unseeing—those
who have eyes yet do not see.
2.
What is man's full duty, and
where is it revealed? Eccl. 12:13;
Matt. 22:35-40.
NorE.—The Ten Commandments were
written on two tables of stone. The first
four reveal our duty to God; the last six
our duty to our fellow men. The keeping
of the commandments is based upon love—
love to God and love to our fellow men.
Where love rules supreme, there transgres-
sion of the law is not found.
3.
What is experienced by those
who obey the law of God? Ps. 119:
165; Isa. 48:18. Compare 1 Cor. 14:33.
NOTE.—"Men cannot manufacture peace.
Human plans for the purification and up-
lifting of individuals or of society will fail
of producing peace, because they do not
reach the heart. The only power that can
create or perpetuate true peace is. the grace
of Christ. When this is implanted in the
heart, it will cast out the evil passions that
cause strife and dissension."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 305.
4.
How does the word of God de-
fine sin? 1 John 3:4; 5:17; Rom. 3:20;
4:15; 7:7.
Nom—The new commandment did not
replace the Ten Commandment law. It sup-
ports the perpetuity of the law of God. Je-
sus said: "If ye keep My commandments
[not
commandment],
ye shall abide in My
love." His love is expressed in the new
commandment: "As I have loved you." If
we love as He loved, we will do what He
says, namely: "If ye love Me, keep My
commandments." John 14:15.
The Law a Revelation of
God's Character
6.
What three characteristics of the
law mentioned by Paul are also char-
acteristics of God? Rom. 7:12; Lev.
11:44; Nahum 1:7.
Norn.—"The law of God is as sacred as
Himself. It is a revelation of His will, a
transcript of His character, the expression
of divine love and
wisdom."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 52.
7.
What other characteristic of God
is revealed through His law? Ps. 19:7;
Matt. 5:48.
[ 35
IN;i/G120,e
-
s,
fir
:
GOD'S
LAW IS THE ONLY BULWARK
AGAINST CRIME, CoRRuPTION,AND EVIL.
NoTE.—" `The law of the Lord is per-
fect, converting the soul.' Ps. 19:7. With-
out the law, men have no just conception
of the purity and holiness of God, or of
their own guilt and uncleanness. They
have no true conviction of sin, and feel no
need of repentance."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 468.
Speaking of the perfection of the law,
C. H. Spurgeon said: "Its
perfection
is a
proof of its divinity. No human lawgiver
could have given forth such a law as that
which we find in the Decalogue. It is a
perfect law; for all human laws that are
right are to be found in that brief com-
pendium and epitome of all that is good
and excellent toward God, or between man
and
man."—Sermons, vol.
2, p. 280.
8. What is said of the unchange-
ableness of God and His law? Mal.
3:6; Ps. 111:7, 8; Matt. 5:17, 18.
NOTE.—"The law of God, from its very'
nature, is unchangeable. It is a revelation
of the will and the character of its Author."
—
The Great Controversy,
page 467.
John Wesley wrote: "The moral law,
contained in the Ten Commandments, and
enforced by the prophets, He did not take
away. It was not the design of His coming
to revoke any part of this. . . . Every part
of this law must remain in force upon all
mankind, and in all ages; as not depending
either on time or place, or any other cir-
cumstances liable to change, but on the na-
ture of God, and the nature of man, and
their unchangeable relation to each other."
—
"Upon Our Lord's Sermon on the
Mount," Discourse 5, in
Works, vol.
5, pp.
311, 312.
The Attempt to Change the Law
9. What does Daniel the prophet
say concerning the attempt to change
the law of God? Dan. 7:25.
"A. Saturday is the Sabbath day.
"Q.
Why do we observe Sunday instead
of Saturday?
"A. We observe Sunday instead of Sat-
urday because the Catholic Church, in the
Council of Laodicea (A.D. 336), transferred
the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday.
"Q.
Why did the Catholic Church sub-
stitute Sunday for Saturday?
"A. The Church substituted Sunday for
Saturday, because Christ rose from the
dead on a Sunday, and the Holy Ghost de-
scended upon the Apostles on a Sunday.
"Q.
By what authority did the Church
substitute Sunday for Saturday?
"A. The Church substituted Sunday for
Saturday by the plenitude of that divine
power which Jesus Christ bestowed upon
her."
10.
What statements support the
continuance of the law after the cru-
cifixion of Jesus? Rom. 3:31; 7:12, 14;
James 2:10; Rev. 14:12; 22:14.
The Law Is God's Standard
.
in Judgment
11.
How will God judge all peo-
ple? Ps. 67:4; Acts 17:31.
NOTE.—This prophecy has been fulfilled.
In Peter Geiermann's
Convert's Catechism
of Catholic Doctrine
(page 50), we read:
12. What is God's standard
"Q.
Which is the Sabbath day?
righteousness? Ps. 119:172.
[ 36 ]
of
NorE.—"The law of God is the standard
by which the characters and the lives of
men will be tested in the judgment. Says
the wise man: 'Fear God, and keep His
commandments: for this is the whole duty
of man. For God shall bring every work
into judgment.' Eccl. 12:13, 14. The apos-
tle James admonishes his brethren, 'So
speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be
judged by the law of liberty.' James 2:12."
—The Great Controversy,
page 482.
13.
By what are men judged?
James 2:8-12.
The Christian's Attitude
Toward the Law
14.
What example of Jesus reveals
the attitude the Christian should
adopt toward God's law? John 15:10;
Isa. 42:21; Ps. 40:8.
NOTE.—"The claim that Christ by His
death abolished His Father's law, is with-
out foundation. Had it been possible for
the law to be changed or set aside, then
Christ need not have died to save man
from the penalty of sin. The death of
Christ, so far from abolishing the law,
proves that it is immutable. The Son of
God came to 'magnify the law, and make
it honorable.' . . . And concerning Him-
self He declares, 'I delight to do Thy will,
0 My God: yea, Thy law is within My
heart.' Ps. 40:8."—The
Great Controversy,
page 466.
15.
What great motive should
move our hearts to keep God's law?
Ps. 119:6, 47, 69, 97.
16.
By what will the remnant
church be known? Rev. 14:12.
Application:
"God placed man under law, as an indis-
pensable condition of his very existence.
He was a subject of the divine government,
and there can be no government without
law. God might have created man without
the power to transgress His law; He might
have withheld the hand of Adam from
touching the forbidden fruit; but in that
case man would have been, not a free
moral agent, but a mere automaton. With-
out freedom of choice, his obedience would
not have been voluntary, but forced. There
could have been no development of char-
acter. Such a course would have been con-
trary to God's plan in dealing with the
inhabitants of other worlds. It would have
been unworthy of man as an intelligent
being, and would have sustained Satan's
charge of God's arbitrary
rule."—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
page 49.
Lesson 11, for September I I, 1954
The Sabbath
MEMORY VERSE:
"The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath."
Mark 2:27.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 281-289; "The Great Controversy,"
pages 451-453; "Living Faith,"
chapter 11.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
5. Questions 11, 12;
Further Comments;
of the lesson, based on outline.
"The Desire of Ages" assignment.
2.
Key Thought; Questions 1-5.
6. Read "Living Faith," chapter 11.
3.
Questions 6-8; Memory Verse.
7. Review the entire lesson.
4.
Questions 9, 10; "The Great Contro-
versy" assignment.
[37]
Lesson Outline:
I. The Sabbath
1.
Its divine origin. Gen. 2:1-3.
2.
It was blessed and sanctified as
God's rest day. Gen. 2:2, 3.
3.
It is a safeguard against evolution.
Ex. 20:8-11.
4.
It was the
seventh
day of creation.
Ex. 20:10, first part; Luke 23:54.
5.
It was made for man. Mark 2:27.
II. Christ and the Sabbath
1.
The Lord's day. Isa. 58:13; Mark
2:28.
2.
The day He observed. Luke 4:16.
3.
The day observed after His resur-
rection. Matt. 24:15
:
20.
III. The Sabbath Taught in the New
Testament
1.
By the Gospel writers. Matt. 28:1;
Mark 16:1, 2; Luke 23:54-56;
John 19:31.
2.
By the apostle Paul. Acts 13:14.
IV. The Sabbath in the New Earth
1.
Observance by all men. Isa. 66:23.
2.
Blessing for all men. Rev. 22:14.
Key Thought:
"God designs that the Sabbath shall di-
rect the minds of men to the contempla-
tion of His created works. Nature speaks
to their senses, declaring that there is a liv-
ing God, the Creator, the Supreme Ruler
of all. 'The heavens declare the glory of
God; and the firmament showeth His
handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech,
and night unto night showeth knowledge.'
Ps. 19:1, 2. The beauty that clothes the
earth is a token of God's love. We may be-
hold it in the everlasting hills, in the lofty
trees, in the opening buds and the delicate
flowers. All speak to us of God. The Sab-
bath, ever pointing to Him who made
them all, bids men open the great book of
nature, and trace therein the wisdom, the
power, and the love of the Creator."-
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 48.
THE LESSON
The Sabbath
1.
When and by whom was the
Sabbath instituted? Gen. 2:1-3.
NoTE.-The Sabbath is the sign of God's
creative power. Through Sabbathkeeping
we are to remember Him as the true and
the living God, and as the Creator of all
things.
"The Sabbath institution, which origi-
nated in Eden, is as old as the world itself.
It was observed by all the patriarchs, from
creation
down."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 336.
"Like the Sabbath, the week originated
at creation, and it has been preserved and
brought down to us through Bible history."
-Ibid.,
p. 111.
2.
By what three distinctive acts
was the Sabbath made? Gen. 2:2, 3.
NoTE.-In instituting the Sabbath the
Lord performed three acts. His first act on
the seventh day was to rest. Thus the Sab-
bath became God's rest day. The word
Sabbath
means "rest." His second act was
the placing of His blessing upon the Sab-
bath. Therefore it became His "blessed"
rest day. His third act was to sanctify the
Sabbath. Webster states that
sanctify
means "set apart to a holy or religious use."
3. In what way is the Sabbath a
definite weapon against the teaching
of evolution? Ex. 20:8-11.
Nom-The Sabbath commandment es-
tablishes three facts:
a.
The Creator, "the Lord made."
b.
Time in creation, "in six days."
c.
The things created, "heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that in them is."
4. According to the law, which
day is the true Sabbath? Ex. 20:10,
first part; Luke 23:54.
[38
]
NoTE.—The crucifixion of Jesus occurred
on the preparation day, or Friday, the sixth
day of the week. The day that followed
was the Sabbath. Since there are only seven
days in the week, the day which follows the
sixth must be the seventh. This day is the
Sabbath.
5.
For whom was the Sabbath
made? Mark 2:27; Isa. 56:2.
NoTE.—The name '
Jew
is said to be de-
rived from the Aramaic form of the word
Judah,
applied originally to people in
southern Palestine, then to all the Israelites.
The Sabbath was instituted more than two
thousand years before there was a Jew,
therefore it is not a Jewish Sabbath. It
was the Sabbath established by the Lord.
"The Sabbath was committed to Adam,
the father and representative of the whole
human family. Its observance was to be
an act of grateful acknowledgment, on the
part of all who should dwell upon the
earth, that God was their Creator and their
rightful Sovereign.; that they were the work
of His hands, and the subjects of His au-
thority. Thus the institution was wholly
commemorative, and given to all mankind.
There was, nothing in it shadowy, or of
restricted application to any people."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 48.
Christ and the Sabbath
6.
By what name is the Sabbath
designated? Ex. 20:10, first part; Isa.
58:13; Mark 2:28. Compare Rev. 1:10.
NOTE.—"The Lord's day is the seventh
day, the Sabbath of creation. On the day
that God sanctified and blessed, Christ sig-
nified 'by His angel unto His servant John'
things which must come to pass before the
close of the world's history, and He means
that we should become intelligent with re-
gard to
them."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 128.
7.
In what did Christ set His fol-
lowers a noble example? Luke 4:16.
Not
-
E.—It
was our Saviour's "custom" to
attend divine service on the Sabbath. The
word
custom
implies continuous practice.
His day is not to be kept in a mechanical
way. We are to enjoy its holy hours and
be refreshed spiritually as we meditate upon
heavenly things. The Sabbath will be the
happiest day of the week when we follow
in the footsteps of our Master, including the
custom of attending divine service on "the
Sabbath day."
"God saw that a Sabbath was essential
for man, even in Paradise. He needed to
lay aside his own interests and pursuits for
one day of the seven, that he might more
fully contemplate the works of God, and
meditate upon His power and goodness.
He needed a Sabbath, to remind him more
vividly of God, and to awaken gratitude be-
cause all that he enjoyed and possessed
came from the beneficent hand of the Crea-
tor."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 48.
8.
To what event did Jesus refer,
indicating that the Sabbath should
be kept after His ascension? Matt.
24:15-20.
NoTE.—The flight of God's people took
place three and one-half years before the
fall of Jerusalem A.D. 70. A flight in winter
would have meant extreme discomfort and
hardship, and an attempt to flee on the
Sabbath would have met with difficulties.
The Sabbath Taught in the
New Testament
9.
What reference is made to the
Sabbath following the crucifixion?
Matt. 28:1; Mark 16:1, 2; Luke 23:54-
56; John 19:31.
10.
How did Paul regard the com-
mandment to keep the Sabbath day?
Acts 13:14, 42, 44; 16:13; 17:2; 18:4.
NoTE.—The book of Acts was written
about thirty years after the resurrection of
Jesus. It contains the principal historical
[39]
WE NEED A SPIRITUAL OUTLOOK
ON THE SABBATH.
facts regarding the apostolic church. The
gospel religion taught in Acts exemplified
the faith of all the apostles. In it they ex-
press their view of the teaching of Christ.
Is it not reasonable to believe that if Christ
had changed the Sabbath, or commanded
that the first day of the week be kept, the
apostles would have known about it and
would have taught it with the same force
as they taught baptism and the Lord's Sup-
per? But they are silent on this. Not a hint
is given anywhere for Sundaykeeping.
The Sabbath in the New Earth
11.
What does the prophet Isaiah
say concerning Sabbathkeeping in the
earth made new? Isa. 66:23.
12.
What blessing is promised to
those who honor God's command-
ments? Rev. 22:14.
NorE.—The redeemed who will inherit
the new earth have experienced the new
birth. They have been obedient to the com-
mandments of God, including the fourth.
In their restored Eden home they will keep
the same Sabbath that was instituted by
God during the creation week. The prophet
says: "And it shall come to pass, that from
one new moon to another, and from, one
Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to
worship before Me, saith the Lord." Those
who expect to share in the blessing of Sab-
bathkeeping in the earth made new will
keep the Sabbath here. Our relation to the
Sabbath must be such that we shall "call
the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord,
honorable." Isa. 58:13.
Further Comments:
"The importance of the Sabbath as a
memorial of creation is that it keeps ever
present the true reason why worship is due
to God. . . . The Sabbath, therefore, lies
at the very foundation of divine worship,
for it teaches this great truth in the most
impressive manner, and no other institution
does this. The true ground of divine
worship, not of that on the seventh day
merely, but of all worship, is found in the
distinction between the Creator and His
creatures. This great fact can never become
obsolete, and must never be forgotten."—
J. N. Andrews,
History of the Sabbath,
page
515.
"It was to keep this truth ever before the
minds of men, that God instituted the Sab-
bath in Eden; and so long as the fact that
He is our Creator continues to be a reason
why we should worship Him, so long the
Sabbath will continue as its sign and memo-
rial. . . . The message which commands
men to worship God and keep His com-
mandments, will especially call upon them
to keep the fourth commandment."—The
Great Controversy,
page 438.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS IN BRAILLE
The senior Sabbath-school lessons, slightly condensed, are
published each quarter in Braille, and they are supplied free
to the blind upon request. Address: The Christian Record
Benevolent Association, Box 66, Lincoln 6, Nebraska.
[40
]
Lesson 12, for September 18, 1954
Baptism
MEMORY VERSE:
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put
on Christ." Gal. 3:27.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 109-113; "Living Faith," chapter 12.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon; general survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Key Word; Questions 1-4.
3.
Questions 5-7; section of "The Desire
of Ages" assignment.
4.
Questions 8-10; remaining section of
"The Desire of Ages" assignment.
5.
Questions 11-15; Application.
6.
Read "Living Faith," chapter 12.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Importance of Baptism
1.
The example of Jesus. Matt.
3:14, 15.
2.
The testimony of the Gospel writ-
ers. Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15;
Luke 7:29, 30; John 3:5.
3.
The church is united by it. Eph.
4:5. Compare Matt. 3:11.
4.
The entrance to church member-
ship. 1 Cor. 12:12, 13.
II. Requirements for Baptism
1.
Instruction. Matt. 28:19, first part.
2.
Faith. Mark 16:16, first part; Acts
8:36, 37.
3.
Repentance, conversion, confession
of sin. Acts 2:37, 38.
III. Significance of Baptism
1.
It commemorates Christ's death.
Rom. 6:3, 4.
2.
It was not by sprinkling. John 3:23.
3.
It was by immersion. Acts 8:38, 39.
IV. Life After Baptism
1.
A newness of life. Rom. 6:4, last
part.
2.
A fuller acceptance of Christ. Gal.
3:27.
3.
A search for higher things. Col. 3:1.
4.
A greater testing. Matt. 4:1-10.
5.
A victorious experience through the
word. Luke 4:4, 8, 10.
Key Word:
Baptism.
When Paul wrote, "We are
buried with him by
baptism"
(Rom. 6:4),
he used the Greek noun
baptisms,
"consist-
ing of the processes of immersion, submer-
sion, and emergence."-W. E. Vine,
Exposi-
tory Dictionary of New Testament Words,
art. "Baptism," vol. 1, p. 96.
THE LESSON
The Importance of Baptism
1. In what act did the Saviour set
a noble example for His followers?
Matt. 3:14, 15.
NorE.-"Jesus did not receive baptism as
a confession of guilt on His own account.
[41
1
He identified Himself with sinners, taking
the steps that we are to take, and doing
the work that we must do. His life of suf-
fering and patient endurance after His bap-
tism was also an example to
us."-The De-
sire of Ages,
page 111.
2.
How do the Gospel writers ex-
press the importance of baptism?
Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15, 16; Luke
7:29, 30; John 3:5.
3.
In what way does baptism purify
and unify the church? Matt. 3:11;
Eph. 4:5.
4.
With what condition must all
comply in order to enjoy full church
membership? 1 Cor. 12:12, 13.
NOTE.—"Christ has made baptism the
sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom.
He has made this a positive condition with
which all must comply who wish to be ac-
knowledged as under the authority of the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Be-
fore man can find a home in the church,
before passing the threshold of God's spirit-
ual kingdom, he is to receive the impress of
the divine name,
The Lord our Righteous-
ness.'
Jer. 23
:6."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 91.
Requirements for Baptism
5.
What is the first requirement for
baptism? Acts 8:35, 37, 38; Matt.
28:19, first part.
NoTE.—"Baptism is 'a most solemn re-
nunciation of the world. Those who are
baptized in the threefold name of the Fa-
ther, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the
very entrance of their Christian life de-
clare publicly that they have forsaken the
service of Satan and have become members
of the royal family, children of the heavenly
King. They have obeyed the command:
`Come out from among them, and be ye
separate, . . . and touch not the unclean
thing.' And to them is fulfilled the promise:
`I will receive you, and will be a Father
unto you, and ye shall be My sons and
daughters, saith the Lord
Almighty."—Tes-
timonies,
vol. 6, p. 91
6.
What condition of heart must
precede baptism? Mark 16:16, first
part; Acts 8:36, 37.
7.
What other evidence of fitness
for baptism was given on the Day of
Pentecost? Acts 2:37, 38.
NOTE.—True repentance leads to conver-
sion and confession of sin. The prerequisites
to baptism—instruction, faith, repentance,
and conversion—cannot be experienced by
a young child. The Bible is silent concern-
ing infant baptism.
Significance of. Baptism
8.
What does baptism commemo-
rate? Rom. 6:3, 4; Col. 2:12.
NoTE.—"This passage [Rom. 6:4] cannot
be understood unless it be borne 'in mind
that the primitive baptism was by immer-
sion."—Conybeare and Howson,
Life and
Epistles of the Apostle Paul,
at Rom. 6:4,
footnote, 1906 ed., p. 557.
9.
What statement of John indi-
cates that the mode of baptism cannot
be sprinkling? John 3:23.
10.
What other experiences teach
that the mode of baptism is immer-
sion? Acts 8:38, 39; Matt. 3:16.
Life After Baptism
11.
How is the life after baptism
designated? Rom. 6:4, last part; Gal.
2:20.
NoTE.—The words "newness of life" sug-
gest that the life previous to baptism was
the old life. The same apostle who describes
the new life also reveals the characteristics
of the old. The old man is to be buried in
baptism. The new represents the con-
verted man. On this new life G. G. Findlay
writes: "The baptism of the Galatians sig-
nalized their entrance 'into Christ,' the
union of their souls with the dying, risen
[ 42 ]
BAPTISM IS A MEMORIAL OF
CHRIST'S DEATH, BURIAL,MD RESURRECTION.
NoTE.—The life after baptism turns its
seeking heavenward; it seeks "those things
which are above." Heavenly things satisfy
the longing of the heart; they are of eternal
value ; they will endure. In our spiritual
experience we are to "mount up with wings
as eagles." Isa. 40:31. We are to live in
the heavenly atmosphere. We must con-
tinue to "seek those things which are above"
until we reach our eternal goal—heaven
itself.
14. What experience should those
who follow their Master in baptism
be prepared to meet? Matt. 4:1-10;
Luke 4:13.
12.
After baptism what will the
true child of God seek? Col. 3:1.
Application:
"The vows which we take upon ourselves
in baptism embrace much. In the name of
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
we are buried in the likeness of Christ's
death and raised in the likeness of His resur-
rection, and we are to live a new life. Our
life is to be bound up with the life of Christ.
Henceforth the believer is to bear in mind
that he is dedicated to God, to Christ, and
to the Holy Spirit. He is to make all
worldly considerations secondary to this
new relation. Publicly he has declared that
he will no longer live in pride and self-indul-
gence. He is no longer to live a careless,
indifferent life. He has made a covenant
with God.' He has died to the world. He
is to live to the Lord, to use for Him all
his entrusted capabilities, never losing the
realization that he bears God's signature,
that he is a subject of Christ's kingdom, a
partaker of the divine nature. He is to sur-
render to God all that he is and all that he
has, employing all his gifts to His name's
glory."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, pp. 98, 99.
[ 43 ]
Lord. They were 'baptized,' as Paul phrases
it elsewhere, 'into His death,' to 'walk'
henceforth with Him 'in newness of life.'
By its very form—the normal and most
expressive form of primitive baptism, the
descent into and rising from the symbolic
waters—it pictured the soul's death with
Christ, its burial and its resurrection in Him,
its separation from the life of sin and en-
trance upon the new career of a regenerated
child of God."—The
Expositor's Bible,
com-
ment on Gal. 3:27.
12.
How is the life after baptism
further described? Gal. 3:27.
Nom—The text makes it clear that Paul
speaks of the life after baptism. The put-
ting on of Christ is an experience that
comes to us through faith. The expressions:
"faith in Christ" (verse 26), "baptized into
Christ," and "put on Christ" are closely
associated; they are synonymous expres-
sions. Of these three expressions someone
has said: "The first is the spiritual principle,
the ground or element of the new life; the
second, its visible attestation; and the third
indicates the character and habit proper
thereto."
15. How may we successfully meet
the deceptive temptations of Satan?
Luke 4:4, 8, 10.
Nozn.—It was after Christ's baptism that
Satan tempted Him in the wilderness, but
the enemy was defeated in every attempt.
The secret of Christ's success must be ours.
It is found in three words: "It is written."
Lesson 13, for September 25, 1954
Obedience
MEMORY VERSE:
"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land."
Isa. 1:19.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 279,
627-636;
"Living Faith,"
chapter 13.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Sabbath afternoon: general survey
of the lesson, based on outline.
2.
Key Thought; Questions 1-3; Memory
Verse.
3.
Questions 4, 5; section of "Patriarchs
and Prophets" assignment.
4.
Questions 6-8; remaining section of
"Patriarchs and Prophets" assign-
ment.
5.
Questions 9-14; Illustration.
6.
Read "Living Faith," chapter 13.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
I. Obedience Defined and Exemplified
1.
A service of love. John 15:14; Gen.
12:1, 4.
2.
An example in Christ's life. Phil.
2:8.
3.
A sign of latter days is the absence
of obedience. 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
II. Things That Lead to Disobedience
1.
The desire for popularity. 1 Sam.
15:23, 24; John 12:42, 43.
2.
The delay in punishment against
evil. Eccl. 8:11.
III. Examples That Show How Highly
God Regards Obedience
1.
Moses. Num. 20:7-12.
2.
Nadab and Abihu. Lev. 10:1, 2.
3.
Uzza. 1 Chron. 13:9, 10.
IV. Various Aspects of Obedience
1.
It is more important than sacrifice.
Ps. 40:6; 1 Sam. 15:22, 23.
2.
It comes to those who hear God's
voice. Ps. 40:6.
3.
It brings delight in doing God's will.
Ps. 40:8, first part.
4.
It puts God's law in the heait. Ps.
40:8, last part; Heb. 8:10.
5.
It is learned through suffering. Heb.
5:7, 8.
6.
It is rewarded. Isa. 1:19; Rev.
22:14.
Key Thought:
"Often the Christian life is beset by dan-
gers, and duty seems hard to perform. The
imagination pictures impending ruin before,
and bondage or death behind. Yet the
voice of God speaks clearly, 'Go forward.'
We should obey this command, even though
our eyes cannot penetrate the darkness, and
we feel the cold waves about our feet. The
obstacles that hinder our progress will
never disappear before a halting, doubting
spirit. Those who defer obedience till every
shadow of uncertainty disappears, and
there remains no risk of failure or defeat,
will never obey at all. Unbelief whispers,
`Let us wait till the obstructions are re-
moved, and we can see our way clearly ;'
but faith courageously urges an advance,
hoping all things, believing all things."-
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 290.
(44]
THE LESSON
Obedience Defined and
Exemplified
1.
How does Jesus define true obe-
dience? John 15:14. Compare James
2:23; Gen. 12:1, 4.
NOTE.—"Obedience is not a mere out-
ward compliance, but the service of love."
"We do not earn salvation by our obedi-
ence; for salvation is the free gift of God,
to be received by faith. But obedience is
the fruit of
faith."Steps to Christ,
pages
65, 66.
2.
What example of obedience did
Christ set for us? Phil. 2:8; 1 Peter
2:21-23.
NOTE.—Christ
is our only true example
in obedience. We are admonished to "fol-
low His steps." Example is more forceful
than precept. It is one thing to tell others
what to do and another to do it ourselves.
If all the world accepted Christ as an ex-
ample, and followed in His footsteps, there
would be no more confusion in doctrine, or
hypocrisy in living.
3.
In what ways is the spirit of dis-
obedience manifested in the last days?
2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Peter 3:3, 4; Isa.
24:3-6, 20; James 5:1-7.
NoTE.-2
Tim. 3:1-5. "But you must
realize that in the last days the times will
be full of danger. Men will become utterly
self-centered, greedy for money, full of big
words. They will be proud and contemp-
tuous, without any regard for what their
parents taught them. They will be utterly
lacking in gratitude, purity, and normal hu-
man affections. They will be men of un-
scrupulous speech and have no control
of themselves. They will be passionate and
unprincipled, treacherous, self-willed, and
conceited, loving all the time what gives
them pleasure instead of loving God. They
will maintain a facade of 'religion,' but
their conduct will deny its validity. You
must keep clear of people like
this."—Let-
ters to Young Churches,
a translation of
the New Testament epistles by J. B. Phil-
lips.
Things That Lead to Disobedience
4.
What led Saul to disobey the
voice of God? 1 Sam. 15:23, 24. Com-
pare John 12:42, 43.
Nom—Saul wanted to be popular with
the people. He did not want to jeopardize
his standing as king. His true self is re-
vealed by the messenger of God, who wrote:
"Saul's disobedience changed his relation to
God. . . . But Saul presumed upon his
exaltation, and dishonored God by unbelief
and disobedience. Though when first called to
the throne he was humble and self-distrust-
ful, success made him self-confident. The
very first victory of his reign had kin-
dled that pride of heart which was his great-
est danger. The valor and military skill
displayed in the deliverance of Jabesh-gilead
had roused the enthusiasm of the whole
nation. The people honored their king, for-
getting that he was but the agent by
whom God had wrought; and though at
first Saul ascribed the glory to God, he
afterward took honor to himself. He lost
sight of his dependence upon God, and in
heart departed from the
Lord."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
pages 630-633.
5.
What emboldens some men to
be disobedient? Eccl. 8:11.
Examples That Show How
Highly God Regards Obedience
6.
What kept Moses from entering
the Promised Land? Num. 20:7-12.
7.
What seemingly slight viola-
tion caused the death of Nadab and
Abihu? Lev.
10:1,
2.
[45
]
NIUM
SOME MISTAKENLY THINK THEY CAN
BUY THEIR WAY TO HEAVEN WITH
GIFTS,
an-
REFUSE TO OBEY
GOD'S WOW.
8.
Why was God's anger kindled
against Uzza? 1 Chron. 13:9, 10.
NorE.—"The Philistines, who had not a
knowledge of God's law, had placed the ark
upon a cart when they returned it to Is-
rael, and the Lord accepted the effort
which they made. But the Israelites had in
their hands a plain statement of the will of
God in all these matters, and their neglect
of these instructions was dishonoring to
God. Upon Uzzah rested the greater guilt
of presumption. Transgression of God's law
had lessened his sense of its sacredness, and
with unconfessed sins upon him, he had, in
face of the divine prohibition, presumed to
touch the symbol of God's presence. God
can accept no partial obedience, no lax way
of treating His commandments. By the
judgment upon Uzzah, He designed to im-
press upon all Israel the importance of
giving strict heed to His requirements."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 706.
Various Aspects of Obedience
9.
What does the psalmist say con-
cerning the importance of obedience,
in contrast to forms and ceremonies?
Ps. 40:6. Compare 1 Sam. 15:22, 23.
NorE.—The fortieth psalm contains a
prophecy of Jesus. It reveals His attitude
toward obedience. Four statements concern-
ing Christ clearly set forth the various as-
pects of obedience. Sacrifices and offerings
are essential, but God emphasizes that there
is something deeper, something better than
mere external things. He looks into the
heart. Forms and ceremonies mean little
unless they are inspired by an obedient life.
Amos 5:21-27.
10.
What part does the sense of
hearing play in man's obedience to
God's voice? Isa. 30:21; Matt. 11:15.
NorE.—God does not want a forced obe-
dience. Obedience is the outgrowth of love.
Love is the motive power of true obedience.
"The law of love being the foundation of
the government of God, the happiness of
all intelligent beings depends upon their per-
fect accord with its great principles of
righteousness. God desires from all• His
creatures the service of love,—service that
springs from an appreciation of His charac-
ter. He takes no pleasure in a forced obe-
dience; and to all He grants freedom of
will, that they may render Him voluntary
service."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 34.
12.
What attitude does the Chris-
tian take toward the law 'of God?
Rom. 7:22; Heb. 8:10.
NorE.—As long as the law is in the heart,
purity of life will be manifested; obedience
will be supreme. As long as the law is only
in the Bible or on tables of stone, we shall
not delight in it.
13.
How does the Lord sometimes
teach obedience? Heb. 5:7, 8; Ps. 4:1.
11. In what is true obedience re-
vealed? Ps. 40:8, first part.
NOTE.—Sickness
and suffering have
brought many individuals from a selfish,
disobedient life, and caused them to lay
their talents at God's feet to be used by
Him in obedient service. Paul suffered
[ 46 ]
greatly, but in all his afflictions he could
say: "I was not disobedient unto the heav-
enly vision." Acts 26:19.
14. What promises are made to the
obedient? Isa. 1:19; Rev. 22:14.
NOTE.
-"For
nations as well as for indi-
viduals, the path of obedience to God is the
path of safety and happiness, while that of
transgression leads only to disaster and de-
feat."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 591.
Illustration:
-Those who travel among the Alps claim
that they have an unusual, peculiar feeling
for their Alpine guide. They tell us that it
is not a feeling of companionship, fellow-
ship, or friendship alone, but a combina-
tion of all three. They conclude that this
feeling comes because of their obedience to
the guide's commands. We have a Guide.
To us He says: "Ye are My friends, if ye do
whatsoever I command you." Those who
obey' Him have a feeling not only of com-
panionship, fellowship, and friendship, but
of implicit faith in Him as their Guide.
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
September 25, 1954-Northern European Division
The overflow from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for the third quarter
of 1954 is to be shared by four needy schools-our training schools at Kuyera,
Ethiopia, and Konola, Liberia, and our secondary schools at Ihie, Nigeria,
and Bekwai, Gold Coast.
Realizing the heavy strain financially upon the Northern European
Division in rehabilitating itself following World War II, we are made unusu-
ally aware of the pressing needs of these schools in the mission fields of that
.
division.
The students and teachers in Liberia, Nigeria, the Gold Coast, and
Ethiopia greatly desire to have their schools advanced to complete secondary-
school status. With the general present awakening in all of Africa, to accom-
plish only this much seems imperative for the onward progress of the mes-
sage. Let us not fail them on September 25.
LESSONS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1954
The general topic of the lessons for the fourth quarter is "Triumphant in Suf-
fering." The first lesson is entitled, "The Origin of Sin and Suffering." The memory
verse is Isaiah 43:2. The study help is
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 33-43; 67-70.
The texts to be studied are as follows:
Ques. 1. Ps. 18:30.
Ques. 8. Gen. 3:16, 17.
Ques. 2. Gen. 1:31.
Ques. 9. Rom. 5:12.
Ques. 3. 1 John 3:8.
Ques. 10. Rom. 8:22, 23.
Ques. 4. Ezek. 28:15.
Ques. 11. Rom. 6:23.
Ques. 5. Isa. 14:13, 14.
Ques. 12. Deut. 8:5.
Ques. 6. Gen. 1:26, 27.
Ques. 13. Lam. 3:31-33.
Ques. 7. Gen. 2:16, 17.
Ques. 14. Isa. 43:2.
[ 47
WEST AFRICAN UNION
& ETHIOPIAN UNION
(NORTHERN EUROPEAN DIVISION)
POPULATION
114 MTN
SS AMA
SIERRA LEONE MISSION
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CHICKS
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2
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6,328,228
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4,007
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10,745,328
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